An Old West Story

And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22

One of the best speeches I ever heard was given by our niece at her high school graduation – the Valedictorian of her class – you can imagine how proud we were. I think we cried throughout the entire day. It’s extremely rewarding and fulfilling to see young people who love the Lord. People who care about others more than themselves. To see people reach their God-given potential! There’s nothing like it. Graduations are milestones. Weddings are milestones. Our Christian lives are milestones within themselves. They matter. Our countenance, our disposition, our inner character make a difference! 10+ years later…that speech made a difference in my life. You probably have milestone moments too. Important moments that made a lasting impact.

 I won’t disclose her age, because it might mean disclosing mine, (Haha!) but her keynote verse was Jude 1:22. She made an emphasis on compassion. I’ve had this speech and this thought on my mind for a few days. Do we extend compassion enough? Do we put anyone else’s needs above our own? Are we making a difference in our Christian walk?

So, a few days ago when I came across a short story, it stuck with me. It goes along with my thoughts on compassion today, so I’ll re-tell it as best I can. (Repeat -This original story was not written by me. Unfortunately, I do not know the author).

A man in the ‘Old West’ was on trial for stealing a horse. (Let’s remember that stealing a horse in the Old West was a very grave and serious offense). A person could be hanged if found guilty of such a deed. It was considered in some aspects, no less than a murder.

It so happened that the man whose horse had been stolen had always made it a point to get the best of any person with whom he had any dealings. (He was spiteful!)  He never tried to do anything good for anyone other than himself. (Selfish!) Consequently, the man whose horse had been stolen didn't have a single friend in the entire town. The case was tried and presented to the jury.

The evidence against the alleged man was pretty strong. After 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the court room. "Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?" the judge asked. The chairman of the jury stood up. "Yes we have, your honor," he replied. "What is your verdict?" inquired the judge. There were a few moments of silence and then the chairman spoke. "We find the defendant not guilty if he will return the horse."

After the judge had silenced the laughter in the courtroom, he admonished the jury. "I cannot accept that verdict. You will have to retire until you reach another verdict," said the judge. The jury went back into their room to deliberate toward another verdict. (No member of the jury had any particular liking for the man whose horse had been stolen. At one time or another, he had gotten the best of each of them).

About an hour passed before the jury could reach another verdict. They re-entered the courtroom. They took their place in the jury box and the courtroom grew silent.

"Gentlemen of the jury," began the judge, "have you reached a verdict?" The chairman of the jury stood up. "Yes we have, your honor," he replied. "What is your verdict?" asked the judge.

The courtroom was totally silent. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone eagerly awaited the verdict. The chairman read the decision reached by the twelve good men, tried and true. "We find the defendant not guilty, and he can keep the horse!”

That was a surprising outcome, right? Unexpected compassion. Unexpected forgiveness. (Sort liken to how God is toward His children. Full of mercy! Unmerited favor). It’s good to be compassionate to those who are seemingly undeserving, isn’t it? Note: I didn’t say it was easy – I said it is a good thing to do.

 I have a few short tips for dealing with difficult, selfish people…

1)       Don’t take it personally, but know sometimes that it is personal.

2)       Act instead of reacting!

3)       Don’t let someone else hurt your relationship with Jesus

4)       Disarm negativity by doing or saying something positive

5)       Resist the urge to label and/or judge someone

6)       Don’t allow others’ behaviors to rub off on you – don’t ‘entertain’ bad company too long

It’s hard to extend compassion when we assume that we have a person nailed. It’s quite tempting to generalize certain situations – especially if we’re on the receiving end of negative behavior!  “He’s a jerk. She’s a rebellious person. He’s selfish.” Even if it unlikely someone will wake up one day and act differently – act kinder or more nicely – we must remember that it IS possible through God’s power.

God will bless your works through Him. You CAN make a difference! He will give you the grace to extend compassion in difficult situations – Ask for His help today. He WILL strengthen you.

Look UP my friends!