Week 39 Day 4

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Respect Your Enemies

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:21

Soldier of Christ, well done!

Praise be thy new employ;

And while eternal ages run,

Rest in thy Saviour’s joy.

Abraham Lincoln was always careful to respect both his friends and his enemies. He never treated people with disdain or disregard. He gave specific directions to his generals prior to their meeting with the Southern leader, Jefferson Davis: “You will proceed forthwith, and obtain, a conference for peace with the honorable Jefferson Davis, or any person by him authorized for that purpose. You will address him in entirely respectful terms, at all events, and in any that may be indispensable to secure the conference.” By this time, the Union soldiers had developed a deep-seated hatred for the rebels—their enemy. Lincoln knew they might treat Davis poorly. But Lincoln demanded they treat Davis with respect. Do you respect others, even the ones you don’t like? Not until you respect them can you expect like treatment.