Open as PDF
Not only was he upset over the situation, but also very discouraged, having lost two people he deeply cared about. As I spoke with him over the phone he said, I wish they at least would have told me a few weeks earlier, so that I could have made arrangements for others to take over their responsibilities. He continued to express his disappointment with a saddened heart. I asked him if he knew the reason why these brothers left. He said, The truth of the matter is the other organization offered them a lot of money and material benefits, and that became the reason for their leaving.
Of course, the whole reason this leader called me in the first place was to hear what I thought his next step should be. Instead of telling him do this or do that, I asked him to think with me about how Jesus would respond had He been in this situation. Together we recalled certain passages of Scripture, remembering that it was Jesus who said, 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 (Luke 6:2830, NIV).
It was soon clear how Jesus would respond. This leader decided to write a letter to the head of the organization the men had joined and say all the good things he could about the two brothers who had left him. He blessed that ministry and the two brothers, promising to pray for them as they continued to serve the Lord.
It is in responding like this, in a way that mirrors Christ, that lives are built.
|
|
|
|
|
