Chapter 4

The cruel cane came harshly down on Rick. The searing pain was unbearable, but pride caused Rick to suffer in silence.
'Now, Rick is going to say his public apology to Joash, I want your to...' said the principal to the school, who was interrupted by Rick.
'NEVER!' shouted the defiant Rick.
'I tell you, if you defy your principal one more time...' said the discipline master.
'Shut up!' screamed Rick, before running away from the hall.

At a pub, there was Jane. She recently heard that there was a rich patron, and that he was handsome too.
'Here he comes!' said someone.
'You are our hero! Come on, give us a drink.' said another.
Rick appeared, flashing some fifty dollar bills in his hand.
'Here you go!' said Rick, as he sighted Jane. 'Here's something for you.'
'Thanks!' shouted Jane, as she took the glass of soft drink from his hand.
'No prob!' said Rick, as he offered another person a drink.

'So how's business?' asked Ben to his sister, Jane.
'Well, something nice happened. There was this guy... I think his name is Rick, handsome and rich, and guess what? He offered me a drink!' exclaimed Jane in excitement.
'Ok, that nice.' replied Ben.
He had spent a long time searching for Rick, and he hoped that the person his sister just mentioned was the right one. All he had to do was just to find out.

'Are you ok?' asked Rachel.
'Well, fine. It's already days and the bruises should have healed. Thanks for your concern,' responded Joash, 'I'm not that weak anyway.'
Both of them chuckled. Just then, Ben came into the room.
'So how's your week?' asked Ben, to the rest of the youths.
'Fine.' came the usual reply.
'Ok, let's begin. well, if you have been reading your bible, especially the book of Matthew, you will find that it's an interesting book. Just interested to know, how many of you have enemies?'
Many raised their hands, only a few left their hands down.
'I do see that your have enemies. I do admit that I have a few, but God says, love your enemies. Don't believe it? Check your bible. This is what Matthew chapter 5, verse 38 to 48 says. Can I have someone to read it for me?'

'You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others. Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'