A wise old man was sitting by a river when he noticed a cat struggling in the water.
The cat had fallen into the river and was trying not to drown.
The old man reached out to save it, but as soon as he touched the cat, it scratched his hand.
He pulled his hand back in pain.
A few moments later, he tried again.
Once more, the cat scratched him, and he pulled his hand away.
Still, the old man did not give up.
He reached out a third time and kept trying until he finally rescued the cat.
A man who had been watching everything called out,
“Wise old man, the cat scratched you the first time and the second time. Why are you still trying to save it?”
The old man smiled and replied,
“My son, it is the cat’s nature to scratch, and it is my nature to show kindness and compassion.”
“Why should I let the cat’s nature change mine?”
Then he gently added,
“My son, treat people according to your own nature, not according to theirs. No matter how they treat you or how many times they hurt you, do not let their actions take away your kindness.”
“Never regret the moments you brought happiness to someone, even if that person did not deserve it.”
“Jesus treats us according to His nature. Just imagine where we would be if He treated us according to ours.”
“That is why He continues to save us, in spite of ourselves.”