Sunday Sermon #4 A number of years ago when I served in the legislature, it was time to run again for office. The republican primary was not to bad, in fact it was an enjoyable race, but then we had the general election. It was not pleasant and the person running against me was not to friendly, despite the many times I tried to be kind and ignore the negative campaign speeches. When the election was over, I was grateful that the people of district 30 gave me another opportunity to serve. Did not hear again from the person running against me. That Christmas time I was out delivering Nancys famous home made rolls, and as I was about driving around making those dilevries, there was one family that was not home, so I had these home made rolls, hot, what was I to do with them...for some reason the thought came to my mind to take the plate of rolls over to this person who had campaigned against me...At first I thought am I crazy, they will yell at me, tell me to get off their front porch, but putting that fear aside, I drove to their home, got out of my truck and walked up to the front door. I knocked and in a few moments the husband of the candidate opened the door, and man he was really surprised to see me...I said hello and wished them a happy holiday and gave them a plate of these incredible hot home made rolls. I thought he was going to faint...He was so surprised first to see me, then for the gift. He stammered a bit, but I told him that I wanted he and his wife to have a wonderful holiday and that the Killians were thinking about them... (side bar to this...I had purchased a number of Christmas themed hand towels to cover the rolls as part of the gift, and each one said Merry Christmas, but I saw one that said Happy Holidays, and for some reason I decided to pick that one out to put with the rest I had chosen.) Now When I loaded the plates of rolls in my truck and had made my deliveries, the only plate that was left was the one with the Happy Holiday towel...The Family that I gave these rolls to, that had competed with us in the campaign happened to be Jewish, I did not know that until I saw the Mezuzah on the door when I walked up to deliver the rolls...I quickly looked at the towel and saw I had the right towel...for sure I did not want to offend my Jewish competitors... To make a long story short, it changed our whole relationship, and we delivered rolls there a few more years. And every time we saw them in the future, she would always say, Mark I dont agree with your politics, but I sure like you. Kindness goes along way, even with those with whom we may disagree, This world needs more kindness, less shrill, less personal attacks, less anger, and more hands of fellowship. This Scripture pretty much says it all. Have a wonderful Sabbath day... Matthew 5: 43-48 43 ¶Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:21:49 +0000
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