Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.
–1 John 4:11
During the Korean War, a young Communist officer was ordered to kill a Christian civilian.
He knew the prisoner was in charge of an orphanage and took care of many small children. Mercilessly, he killed the 19-year old son of the prisoner in front of him.
Later, when the tide of events changed, this same officer was captured, tried, and ordered to death for war crimes. He was standing awaiting execution.
But the Christian father pleaded for the life of the Communist officer who had killed his son. He requested to be given custody of the young officer because he wanted to teach him about the Savior.
That father took the murderer of his son home.
His overflowing love from God changed the Communist officer’s heart so much so that he became a Christian pastor. What great love!
With God’s love, all things are possible!
Prayer
Holy Lord, I know I don’t deserve Your love, but benefit greatly from it every day. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to love everyone with a Christ-like love, as the father in this story did. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
How should I show love to an unkind person? How would Jesus have shown love for that person?