The subject of the Sunday sermon was "Forgive Your Enemies." After a lengthy sermon, the preacher asked the congregation how many were willing to forgive their enemies. About half held up their hands. Not satisfied, he pleaded with the congregation for another twenty minutes and repeated his question.
This received a response of eighty percent. Still unsatisfied, he lectured for fifteen more minutes and repeated his question. With thoughts of Sunday dinner being delayed, all responded except one old gentleman in the rear.
"Mr. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?"
"I don't have any."
"Mr. Jones, that is very unusual. How old are you?"
"86."
"Mr. Jones, please tell the congregation how a man can live to be 86 and not have an enemy in the world."
The old man stood and said, "It's easy. I just outlived them."
This received a response of eighty percent. Still unsatisfied, he lectured for fifteen more minutes and repeated his question. With thoughts of Sunday dinner being delayed, all responded except one old gentleman in the rear.
"Mr. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?"
"I don't have any."
"Mr. Jones, that is very unusual. How old are you?"
"86."
"Mr. Jones, please tell the congregation how a man can live to be 86 and not have an enemy in the world."
The old man stood and said, "It's easy. I just outlived them."
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