There is a story recorded in the 2nd epistle of Paul to Timothy, in the fourth chapter, the first part of verse 10, that nearly always fills my heart with great sadness. It pains me as I think of the great apostle Paul, who was at that time in prison. He was facing' martyrdom.. Even as Christ yearned for companionship and support from the inner circle of three disciples, Peter, James and John, as He entered into the depths of the Garden of Gethsemane, and the indescribable agonies, so Paul longed for the presence and encouragement of his companions and co-workers as he waited for his execution. But he was greatly disappointed in his expectations. Instead of remaining with him, they forsook him. Among those who left Paul was Demas, the very man to whom the apostle refers now and again in his epistles; and always there with approval. One gathers that Demas had been a faithful co-worker and helper in the past. It is easily possible that he may have been an evangelist, thus helping and gladdening the heart of Paul. For whoever proclaimed Jesus as Saviour was one whom Paul loved. However faithful as Demas had been and good work he had done, now he departs to Thessalonica, his home city, and leaves Paul to face death. Terrible as it was thus to forsake a brother and companion in his need, one sometimes wonders for whom we should feel the more sorry: for Paul about to depart this life, being thus forsaken, or for Demas lie with Paul. And we lean in that way because we who departs. If we are selfish, our sympathies will often think of self rather than others. This is so obvious as we look at the behaviour of others, and as we look carefully at ourselves. If someone says an unkind word to us, or does something that hurts our pride or our purse, we tend to flare up in anger. We even seek to justify our hotheadedness and our sharp and cutting words. Perhaps we will not even speak to that person. Maybe we shall want to return blow for blow, evil for evil. We tend to do that because we deem ourselves to be right and worthy, and our fellow man is wrong and a great sinner. We are the important person. That other fellow is less important.

This, I contend, is our tendency. But is that the only concern of the child of God? I verily believe that we must rise to something greater and higher; we must also be and become burdened with the sinner who makes the mistake, or commits sin. I truly believe that Paul sets that sort of example before us. He is not indulging in self-pity. On the contrary, he feels greatly burdened about Demas. His friend and intimate companion, has departed to Thessalonica; he has gone away because he has begun to love this present world. The holy apostle sensed the peril involved in that move which he has made. Paul knew what danger lurked in such a departure. It is that mistake, that sin that causes him grief and pain. That outweighs by far all the pain of loneliness that 'came 'over him because a friend had deserted him, the prisoner. That disappointment in Dema's' conduct is nothing in comparison with the damage that threatened the soul of Demas.

As Paul thinks along those lines, if he is to weep, he will not do so for his own sake, but for the sake of Demas. Paul has done no wrong; Demas, his brother in Christ, his companion in labours, his coworker in the kingdom, has committed sin. Now the faithful servant of God is deeply concerned about that other servant of God who once was faithful and true.

As I think of this incident recorded here in God's Word, I am thankful that it is written in the BOOK. I need that first of all for myself. For I find that sin has made me selfish. Whenever someone does something whereby I am hurt, or made to suffer, my old nature flares up. That old nature is such that T resent anything that interferes with myself. That same old corrupt nature tends to make me angry and eager to behave like a devil. At such a moment I tend to forget all the kind things and the good work of such a brother or sister in the Lord. That one thing, perhaps that little thing, which has been done seems to outweigh all the virtues. Thirty six years in the active ministry have confirmed my convictions that my fellow men are by nature equally sinful and evil. Only God's Grace and Love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit can transform us so that we have pity, love and concern for our fellow man, even as we see it in Paul.

Which reigns in our life, SIN or GRACE?