Cambodia
“On Friday, April 28th, a partially built church building in Boeng Krum Leu, 30 km east of Phnom Penh, was destroyed by approximately 300 local Buddhists. Che Saren, chief of the district, told the Associated Press the Buddhists felt threatened by the visible presence of another religion. Chanting “Destroy the church,” and “Long live Buddhism,” the villagers tore down the building and burned the rubble. According to Ros Sithoeun, a local Christian, the police gave the villagers a lecture on the laws governing religious freedom, and the two sides have come to a peaceful agreement. The Christians did not file complaints with the authorities nor demand restitution. There are currently 20 to 30 Christians in the village.” (VOM-Canada)
Notice that the Christians didn’t file complaints or demand restitution? What? Why not? The law protects their religious freedom. Why wouldn’t they stand up for their rights? Why? Maybe this explains it:
“But 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. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:27-36
Have you been wronged lately? Offended? Has someone taken something that belongs to you? How did you react?
About a year ago, I hired a man to roof a house. He asked for the money for the materials in advance. Since I had checked his references before hiring him, I gave him the money. The next day he brought the materials and said he would be back in a couple of days to do the work. I’ve not seen him again. I tried calling many times only to get his voice mail. I then realized that the materials he had brought were only enough to do about a fourth of the roof. I had the sheriff try to contact him. The sheriff talked to his parents, brother and sister but never found him.
Our board decided we should file charges. While I am angry and feel foolish for giving him the money in advance; I can’t seem to bring myself to file charges against him. I do not understand why. Any way you look at it; he obviously stole the money and should be charged for it. Yet, I don’t seem to have the will to do so.
Should the board inquire about it in the future; I suppose I can give them this verse, Luke 6:27-36.
Thanks Amy
Comment by Jack — May 19, 2006 @ 5:25 am
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.†– Luke 6:27-36″
That brings back memories from many, many years ago. Our HS class motto was “Do unto others as you have them do unto you, but do it first.”
Most people have a hard time loving their enemies. But, how much more blessed would we be, if we did? I often find myself saying about things, especially when I’m charged too much, or something is taken and we have no idea who has done the deed – “If they can do with it,I can do without it”. It’s the same when someone cuts you off on the highway, flying by, and you pray that God takes care of them, rather than hoping to see them in a ditch some place. I can’t say I haven’t been upset by this happening to me, but I quickly think they could have hit me instead, and thank God they didn’t!
Comment by Barb — May 22, 2006 @ 9:48 pm