A CHRISTIAN farmer in China, named Tung, was attacked in his home by bandits in the dead of night. They bound him, set fire to his home, and robbed him of all his possessions. Although this Christian man suffered terribly, he bore it in a meek and Christian spirit, and made no complaint to the officials.
The next year, while in town, he met a sick man, whom he recognized as one of the leaders of the band that had robbed him. The robber recognized the farmer and quickly covered his face with his clothes, hoping he would not be recognized.
“Don’t do that,” said Mr. Tung, “I am not your enemy.”
Hearing this the robber fell on his knees, and begged for his life. Tung replied: “What has brought you to this plight? I have told you I am not your enemy. Tell me about yourself.”
The robber replied: “Last winter our band was driven out by the government troops into the wilds. We lost the road. It was bitter cold; we traveled all night. My feet were frozen when we got to the inn, and I have been here for two months. My bills are piling up, and I am without clothes, and almost ready to die.”
Tung then took out his purse and handed him 5,000 cash (a coin of very low value), and said: “Go pay your bill, and get something to eat. Tomorrow I will come and take you to the hospital for treatment.”
The robber instantly thought this was a scheme to trap him and turn him over to the officials. He went back to the inn, and spent a sleepless night thinking over the whole matter. Then he decided to run away, but alas, his feet were swollen and he could not escape!
The next day according to his promise Tung came with a cart and persuaded the bandit to go to the hospital, paying all the expenses himself. In his heart he thought: “This robber will hear the gospel there, and may be converted.”
The poor fellow was much moved and burst into tears. “I never saw such kindness; one will never find it outside the religion of Jesus Christ. Such feelings of compassion have never been shown in China before. I will not die. I will trust JESUS.”
And the repentant fellow did not die. He went out of the hospital a well man both in body and soul, for Christ had found him, he had trusted Him as his Saviour, and became one of His faithful followers.
Tung spent a good many dollars to meet his expenses, but there was one more true servant of God in China because of the kindness he had shown to the bandit.
“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son; much more, being recoiled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:8,108But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10).
ML-04/30/1972