In our previous article, we tackled benevolence that never dies, even when the performing person is departed, his benevolence remains dispersed amongst other humans. Moreover, it can present him before God. In all probability, one day we shall fail to recall what we offered others, but benevolent actions have a voice that resonates paving the way before their executor.
Today, I tackle the benevolence in which lies the power to change human beings, no matter how adamant they remain regarding any of their stances.
Today, I’m to speak of a story published in an international magazine, telling of an officer who was characterized as being violent towards soldiers. One day, he struck a soldier for saving a comrade from the enemy ranks after he’d falling wounded, considering the deed boldness, impetuousness and contradicting orders. The soldier was saddened and deeply humiliated, finding only a few words to utter to his commander: “I will make you retreat from this stance and insult one day!” Then he left.
Days went by, and the officer went out on a military operation and engaged with the fiercely confronting enemy, managing to isolate him from his personnel following his sustaining several wounds, and he fell into the hands of that foe, which surrounded him on all sides. Valiantly and courageously, a soldier stepped forward infiltrating enemy lines to reach and rescue the wounded commander. No sooner did the officer espy the soldier than he instantly recognized him, since he had received a blow and an insult one day at his hands. The soldier encouragingly smiled at the wounded, supporting him with one arm and defending him with the other. When the officer witnessed the soldier’s valor, he took heart and joined in defending themselves, until they managed with God’s will to succeed in infiltrating enemy lines and fleeing to safety.
Upon returning to their military unit, the officer eyed the soldier with love and gratitude enveloped in utter embarrassment, asking, “How can I repay you for your dignity, one day insulted by me?!” The soldier replied with a profound smile full of love covering his features, “I told you I would make you retreat one day, and so I have!!” The two became friends and this commander henceforth became famous for his love and encouragement, such that everybody loved him.
The good that you offer each person is the greatest catalyst for human sentiments, and the best element of change for a human. Hurry to do good deeds, not only to make a friend, but to be able to participate in altering the world around you. For it is said, “To be able to change the world, start with changing one person: yourself!” Instead of cursing the dark, we begin by lightening a candle. Benevolent deeds are the best light known to mankind, no wonder it echoes in every walk and every path of life.
While performing good deeds, don’t let them be impacted by the natures of those around you. Make them learn from you how to change and offer all goodness. A person once narrated to me an incident relating to his work, with a colleague who never reciprocated his morning greetings. Some other colleagues advised him to stop greeting him altogether. Such was his response: “I’ve learned to offer good deeds to all, not because of their deeds, and I will never change the benevolence I’ve learned!” He insisted on greeting this colleague whenever they came across each other in a hall or office. One day, he learned that his colleague was facing a serious problem that could get him fired. He rushed to his aid, until managing to overcome his crisis. Here, the colleague knew not what to say by way of apology! More importantly, he turned into another person, acting lovingly towards all people. He had indeed changed as a result of the good offered to him.
Rush to aid others without being asked. The late Pope Shenouda III counseled: “Benevolence advances forward at all times, moving towards God and towards people. Never waiting for others to approach him seeking his seal of approval, yet moving to them instead without being asked.” A candle penetrates the dark with its light without being asked to radiate! To be continued…
Bishop Ermia
General Bishop
President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
