I was encouraged to read this from the weekly Living Waters Newsletter (sign up here); I hope you will be as well:

A few years ago, we told you that an atheist was having financial troubles, and many of you kindly sent him gifts. This week he wrote to Mark Spence and said:

“Dear Mark …. about three years ago we talked on the phone. Even though I insulted and berated you, you proved that you were the real deal and a true follower of Christ by loving your enemy and blessing him. You responded with kindness even though I insulted you viciously. In addition you even helped me financially as well as some of the followers of Way of the Master. You guys really saved me from a disaster because I had no income and if I didn’t get those MRIs and other medical tests, I never would have gotten the social security disability income on which I now survive. I just wanted to say I will never forget you, Ray and the other Way of the Master followers. I want to thank you very much again.”

I followed up with Mark and asked if there was any other information he could provide to round out the story. This is what he said:

“From what I remember, he had a problem with how little the church did to help those who weren’t Christians. When he would get angry and cuss at me I would hang up on him. This happened like three times with him calling back each time and apologizing.  We had a few talks about his disabilities and his issues with God.  That’s all I really remember about him.”

It’s nice to hear every now and then about an atheist who responds in a kind and gentle way when truth is lived out in action.

*****Click here to read about another way to love your unbelieving friend.

Image courtesy of www.symbolism-in-art.org