Before
slavery was abolished, slave markets were very common in the developed
countries. Here, poor and helpless people, were exhibited in the public and
sold for a price like animals or vegetables.
A rich man bought a young
slave from the market to work in his farm. The slave worked hard and obeyed his
master's orders with love and respect. Impressed by his innocence and
dedication, the landowner asked him to accompany him during his next visit to
the slave market to buy more slaves for his new farms.
Reaching the slave market,
they saw a large number of slaves displayed for sale. The owner sought the
opinion of the slave in selecting suitable slaves. The slave pointed at an old
and frail man and pleaded to purchase him. The rich man was reluctant as the man was old and weak, but the young
slave insisted. Finally the old man was bought and brought to the farm. The
young slave was eager to help the old slave and even shared his duties with
pleasure. When he fell ill, the young slave looked after him and saved him by
his tender care. Seeing these acts of affection, the master asked the young
slave whether the old man was his father or a close relative. The young slave
denied. When the master insisted, he told the story of his association with the
old man.
When the young slave was a
child, the old man had stolen him and sold him as a slave to the slave traders.
The master asked, "That means he is your worst enemy. Then why did you
care for him?" The young slave replied, "Sir, I am a Christian. Jesus
taught us to love our enemies. I am following His commandments." The owner
was impressed by this exemplary display of love without limits. He was transformed by
this act and granted freedom to his slaves.
Jesus taught, "Love your enemies, do good
to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who
ill-treat you."
..........................................................................................................
© By Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's Public School,
Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath,
Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally, Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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