11-3-2018 – A Word to the Wise: I have found myself having to repeat this story several times in the last 3 days to different people. It bears repeating here for all of us who have been curse, tormented, hated, forsaken, rejected and abused.
A real story that occurred several years ago illustrates the protective nature of gratitude even in the face of torment, torture, and horror. The author of this story had been a prisoner of the Japanese and during his five-year imprisonment, had been enslaved in the valley of the Kwai. What he and his comrades endured is beyond comprehension and challenges human endurance. Near the end of the war, an incident occurred which reflects how God’s redemption may deeply affect one’s character.
The Japanese were sending the author (Earnest Gordon) and other POWs by train away from the front lines. At one point, their railroad cars were directed to a siding along with a load of severely wounded enemy soldiers. As they were parked beside the enemy, their enemies’ cries for water and mercy filled the air. Some of the POWs took their own meager water supply and went to comfort the enemy. In describing the situation, the author says the train was filled with the enemy, many having massive untreated wounds draining from infection and gangrene. The souls of the POWs were filled with pity for the enemy who had tormented them day and night for five years. Those who were not Christians who observed their behavior were astonished. How could they treat the enemy with such generosity?
Such is the way of the soul filled with gratitude toward the Father for his own mercy and loving-kindness. Let us therefore put aside anger.
Christian Family Services Ministry 
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