So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? Nehemiah 5:9
“Not that I know there is anything of this kind among you; but I put you on your guard, inasmuch as I love you greatly, and foresee the snares of the devil. Wherefore, clothing yourselves with meekness, be ye renewed in faith, that is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, that is the blood of Jesus Christ. Let no one of you cherish any grudge against his neighbor. Give no occasion to the Gentiles, lest by means of a few foolish men the whole multitude [of those that believe] in God be evil spoken of.”
Ignatius of Antioch (c.50-c.108) in the Epistle of Ignatius To the Trallians 8 (Roberts-Donaldson English Translation).
When we walk in the fear of God and don’t hold any grudges against our neighbor, we give no occasion to the Gentiles which is those who don’t know Jesus.
Think of the implications of this related to generosity.
Humans wrong each other at every turn. When we who are in Christ Jesus determine to give kindness and forgiveness generously, people see the grace of God in action.
When we don’t, we look no different from the world. Then here’s what we see. Gentiles say, “Christians are hypocrites.” It’s the most common accusation. That we are not who we say we are.
So as we think about generosity to our neighbor. Let’s resolve to hold no grudges and extend generous forgiveness.