“Generosity proved to be contagious. Once begun, this charity soon extended beyond the regimental loyalties to include any man in need. Men started thinking less of themselves, of their own discomforts and plans, and more of their responsibilities to others…
It was dawning on us all—officers and other ranks alike—that the law of the jungle is not the law for man. We had seen for ourselves how quickly it could strip most of us of our humanity and reduce us to levels lower than the beasts…
Death was still with us—no doubt about that, But we were slowly being freed from its destructive grip. We were seeing for ourselves the sharp contrast between the forces that made for life and those that made for death.
Selfishness, hatred, envy, jealousy, greed, self-indulgence, laziness, and pride were all anti-life. Love, heroism, self-sacrifice, sympathy, mercy, integrity, and creative faith, on the other hand were the essence of life, turning mere existence into living in its truest sense. These were the gifts of God to men.”
Earnest Gordon in To End all Wars (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) 105-106.
While I don’t normally feel drawn to read all or portions of books on war, To End all Wars celebrates how the love of God can transform people even in the harshest situations.
Gordon’s testimony reminds me of the Apostle Paul, who despite chains continued a vibrant ministry and even helped the soldiers who guarded him take hold of life.
How are our lives touching those around us? Do we foster anti-life or life? When we allow God’s generosity to flow through us, it is both contagious and life-giving!