On those that offend and are offended pt 3

 

 

“Shall I beg forgiveness of him?” you say, “I am well-born, and he is a base man.”  But he, too, is a man, as you are.  

To God, the just Judge, both the noble man and the lowly are equal.  He forbade the well-born to offend the lowly, as well as the lowly the noble, and both the well-born and the lowly shall stand before His just Judgment.  

But look at the graves of your ancestors and there you will see your nobility.  “But he is an evil man,” you say  It is not for you to judge him.  It is also not known who is better, you or he, for God judges according to the inward and not the outward disposition.  The Lord examineth the righteous man and the ungodly (Psalm 10:5).  

Likewise, you do not know how you and he shall end.  Many begin well but come to an evil end, others begin ill but end well.  It is not the good beginning but the good end that is worthy or praise and accomplishes all things.  “He will not,” you say, “ask me, though I should ask his forgiveness.” 
 

No, humility has such power that it inclines even the hard of heart.  For God, the lover of humility, works through the humble.  You just humble yourself before him and you shall see the power of humility.  He will unfailingly embrace you with love and joy, and kiss you.  But if you do not do more than what is expected you will already be responsible for your misfortune.  “But he will become conceited at my humility,” you say.  

Not true.  When he sees your humility, he will also humble himself.  But if he should be conceited, then he shall unfailingly be humbled, according to the word of the Lord, Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased (Luke 18:14).  But cease all your excuses, let him do what he wishes.  You should do what is needful and profitable to you and what is commanded by the Lord.  (to be continued)