MORAL STORIES

CHRISTIAN LOVE

A rich lady was badly bitten by a rabid dog. It was long before Louis Pasteur developed the anti-rabies treatment. She summoned her lawyer and dictated a long list of names. The lawyer thought that she was preparing her will, to transfer her wealth to her close associates in case of an accidental death by rabies. He enquired about it. She replied that the list was of her enemies whom she should bite and kill, in case she developed active rabies.

An old man was celebrating his 105^th birthday. In an interview, he was asked, “What is the reason for your long and happy life?” He replied, “That is because I have no enemies.” “Wonderful!” exclaimed the journalist. He continued, “Please tell us how you could achieve this unique distinction of having no enemies at all.” The old man replied, “It is very simple. I had a lot of enemies. All of them died earlier.”

The Christian concept of unconditional love is sublime. Jesus taught us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven” {Matthew 5: 44, 45}. Lying on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing” {Luke 23: 34}.

By Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.

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