Abe Lincoln

Abe Lincoln had a political rival named William Stanton who was very free with his criticism, and even insults, toward the President. He would refer to the Lincoln as "the gorilla in the White House" – a reference to his homely appearance and gangling arms. One time Lincoln was asked his opinion of Stanton to which he replied, "William Stanton is one of the most brilliant and capable men I have ever met."

One of the reporters nearby asked, "Aren't you aware of the things Stanton is saying about you?"

"Certainly," came the reply, "but I was asked what I thought about Stanton, not what Stanton thought about me."

"During the dark days of the Civil War, Lincoln asked Stanton (much to the latter's surprise) to serve in an important and influential position in the government. He accepted and worked closely with the President during those crucial months in our nation's history. When Lincoln was assassinated, William Stanton stood beside the casket with tears rolling unashamedly down his cheeks, and was heard to say, "There lies the greatest man I have ever known."

This seems to me a near perfect illustration of the concept the Apostle Paul advanced in Romans 12:17-21: Don't repay anyone evil for evil, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone....Do not be overcome by evil but over come evil with good."

May God bless your every effort of overcoming evil with good!
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From: aepirog@amoco.com