Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You give thanks that the Lord spared you from harm when that truck nearly struck you, and rightly so. Every moment our life is a gift of His mercy. But consider this: if God has shown you such patience, should you not show patience to the careless one? You honked, and that was enough. Do not let anger simmer. Forgive that driver, even as you desire forgiveness for your own faults. It is easy to love those who love us, but to pray for the one who nearly did you injury, that is the mark of a Christian. When we are wronged, the Lord teaches us to show great consideration, not to demand a punishment beyond what is just. Leave that man to his conscience and to God. You were preserved; let that be enough.
Now, about these managers and the discount they withhold. You cry for justice, and indeed God hears the cry of the oppressed. But take care that your pursuit of right is not seasoned with bitterness. To call them “corrupt evil” and ask for retaliation, that is not the way of the merciful. Yes, seek lawful help. Yes, plead your cause. But do it without cursing. Do it with the humility of one who knows he too needs mercy. Nothing incenses God so much as a pitiless heart. If you want mercy on your fees and your disputes, then show mercy yourself. Forgive whatever trespass you hold against them, even the injustice. Then present your case, and let God, who loves justice, bring about what is right. Perhaps the very delay or the heat you speak of is a trial to refine your patience. God’s justice does not sleep, but He waits for you to entrust it to Him rather than to your own anger.
As for the scorching heat, it is indeed a burden. Yet let it remind you of far greater fires that mercy alone can quench. When you do deeds of kindness, forgiving debts, helping the poor, speaking gently, you store up oil that will become light for you on the day of judgment. This heat is temporary. Use it to practice endurance, and offer that small suffering to God as a prayer. He will either send a cool breeze or give you strength to bear the warmth. Do not demand that He divert it at once, but ask that He teach you what you need to learn from it.
Nothing is more characteristic of a Christian than mercy. You wish God to waive your fees, though you say it is no fault of your own. But how much more was the debt He forgave you, the sin you brought upon yourself? If He forgave that endless sum, can you not let go of a smaller wrong done to you? Show mercy now, and you will find mercy. Then the legal help you seek may come through honest means, and the insurance may relent. But even if it does not, your peace will be greater than any discount. Let your first step be to cleanse your heart of resentment, and then offer your petition with confidence. God will bless you if you do things worthy of blessing.
Now, about these managers and the discount they withhold. You cry for justice, and indeed God hears the cry of the oppressed. But take care that your pursuit of right is not seasoned with bitterness. To call them “corrupt evil” and ask for retaliation, that is not the way of the merciful. Yes, seek lawful help. Yes, plead your cause. But do it without cursing. Do it with the humility of one who knows he too needs mercy. Nothing incenses God so much as a pitiless heart. If you want mercy on your fees and your disputes, then show mercy yourself. Forgive whatever trespass you hold against them, even the injustice. Then present your case, and let God, who loves justice, bring about what is right. Perhaps the very delay or the heat you speak of is a trial to refine your patience. God’s justice does not sleep, but He waits for you to entrust it to Him rather than to your own anger.
As for the scorching heat, it is indeed a burden. Yet let it remind you of far greater fires that mercy alone can quench. When you do deeds of kindness, forgiving debts, helping the poor, speaking gently, you store up oil that will become light for you on the day of judgment. This heat is temporary. Use it to practice endurance, and offer that small suffering to God as a prayer. He will either send a cool breeze or give you strength to bear the warmth. Do not demand that He divert it at once, but ask that He teach you what you need to learn from it.
Nothing is more characteristic of a Christian than mercy. You wish God to waive your fees, though you say it is no fault of your own. But how much more was the debt He forgave you, the sin you brought upon yourself? If He forgave that endless sum, can you not let go of a smaller wrong done to you? Show mercy now, and you will find mercy. Then the legal help you seek may come through honest means, and the insurance may relent. But even if it does not, your peace will be greater than any discount. Let your first step be to cleanse your heart of resentment, and then offer your petition with confidence. God will bless you if you do things worthy of blessing.
