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Rev
George Irwin |
EACH week a member of the local clergy will be sharing
their THOUGHT' FOR THE WEEK. This week Rev George Irwin, rector of Ballymacash, on the importance of treating people kindly, whether
we like them or not.
WE are often reminded today that we are living in the age of
the computer. And it goes without saying that the computer has
made an enormous impact many areas of life. Not only is it a most
valuable labour-saving device, but it enables people to operate
much more efficiently.
Perhaps because of the great benefits brought by the computer
people sometimes become idealistic about it, thinking that it is
capable of almost magical results.
However, when we get down to the business of using this
advanced piece of technology we soon discover our balance. We
discover that its output is very much limited by the quality and
accuracy of the material which is fed in. As one of the operating
manuals puts it, 'If you feed garbage in, you get garbage out.' Or
as the Bible says, 'The measure you give will be the measure you
get back.'
The truth of this insight is clearly demonstrated in the area
of personal relationships. Very often, the way we behave towards
others determines the way they behave towards us. We see our
reflection in other people; if we wish them to love us we must
first love them. The person who wants others to trust him and
befriend him must be prepared to act in a trusting and friendly
way.
Now, of course, it is much easier to act kindly towards those
whom we like. But what a difference can be made to the quality of
life when we make the effort to treat people kindly whether we
like them or not.
This is an important element in what Jesus meant by love as the
quality which; above all others should characterise the Christian
Life. He said. "If you love those who love you, what credit is
that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do
good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you/ For
even sinners do the same." (Luke 6:32,33)
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