The Right Response to Wrong Treatment

Transcript

Forty-five American missionaries were arrested in a foreign country. Then they were tried, convicted, and sent to prison for sharing their Christian beliefs.

Conditions in prison were rough. Husbands were separated from wives. Parents couldn’t see their children. So while the missionaries waited on court appeals, how did they spend their time in prison? Some taught English to fellow inmates. Some took over a neglected garden and shared the fresh vegetables. In several cases, jailers became the missionaries' friends.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Injustice comes in many forms. Sometimes it's obvious and menacing; sometimes it just slips in. In every case, Jesus teaches us to return evil with good—in prison, at home . . . in the high calling of our daily work.

I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek , turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. (Luke 6:27-29)