From day one in our new community we have sought to be open-handed with our neighbors, sharing what we have as God leads. We have prayed that our children would be glad to share what they have as well. On different occasions God has surprised us with the generosity of our little ones. The biggest surprise came last week when our oldest gave his bike away to a neighbor who was without one, and then bought a bike lock for him as well.
Yesterday morning this same boy appears to have taken our oldest son's wallet while visiting for a few minutes before we headed off to worship. For our son six months of saving his money only to have his kindness lead to this frustration has been very difficult to handle.
I can't tell you how disappointing this has been for me too. This low blow from the enemy is striking at the core of our children's willingness to be givers in a neighborhood where they've experienced the hurtful experiences of others being takers. When I went today to speak with this young man who appears to have taken the wallet his response was less than satisfying. Pray that God's Spirit will convict him and grant him repentance, if he indeed is guilty. Please pray that our attitude towards the neighbors will be consistently kind, remembering that it was God's kindness that led us to repentance. Pray that our children will maintain a spirit of generosity as well.
I've got much more good news to share about our progress in relationships, but I'll wait to update you with that information on Wednesday.
2 comments:
I'm sure you've already thought of it, but tell Philly there is a radical way that the Bible prescribes for heaping coals on the heads of your antagonists.
Stephen, that is a good word of reminder. Thanks, bro.
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