An English schoolmaster was a...
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An English schoolmaster was a strict disciplinarian. He demanded unfailing obedience to his every command. Consequences were harsh for any student who dared to break a rule. When a new boy moved into town, the schoolmaster decided to show him first thing who was boss. He explained to the new boy, “I am the absolute and final authority in this classroom. I make all the rules and you had better obey them, or else. When I call on you, I want you to stand to the left of your desk, hold your textbook in your right hand, and answer the question.” “But, sir,” the new boy said. “No ifs, ands, or buts, young man. That’s the way it is.” Later he called on the new boy, who stood to the left of his desk, held his book in his left hand, and answered the question. The teacher grabbed the boy and shook him harshly, only then realizing that the boy had no right arm. It is so easy to be harsh with others when they don’t do just what we want. Remember that everybody has some kind of an “empty sleeve” that we can’t see. The apostle Paul reminds us to treat others as Jesus Christ has treated you — in the spirit of amazing grace. Be compassionate and merciful.
