Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:… Some years ago a missionary was preaching in a chapel to a crowd of idol-loving Hindoos. He had not proceeded far in his sermon when he was interrupted by a strong native, who went behind the desk, intending to knock him down with his stick. Happily the blow aimed at the minister fell on his shoulder, and did him little, if any, injury. The congregation of hearers were, however, very angry with the offender, and they seized him at the very moment he was attempting to escape. "Now, what shall I do with him?" said the missionary to the people. "Give him a good beating," answered some. "I cannot do that," said he. "Send him to the judge," cried others, "and he will receive two years' hard labour on the road." "I cannot follow your advice," said the missionary again, "and I will tell you why. My religion commands me to love my enemies, and to do good to them who injure me." Then turning to the man, he said, "I forgive you from my heart; but never forget that you owe your escape from punishment to that Jesus whom you persecuted in me." The effect of this scene upon the Hindoos was most impressive. They wondered at it, and, unable any longer to keep silence, sprang on their feet and shouted, "Victory to Jesus Christ! Victory to Jesus Christi" (J. Pulsford.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:WEB: Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. |
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