Dying because of who you are

I read this in Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy just now:

"In sixteenth-century Holland, the Mennonites were outlawed and, when caught, often executed. One of them, Dirk Willens, was being chased across an icefield when his pursuer broke through and fell in. In response to his cries for help, Willens returned and saved him from the waters. The pursuer was grateful and astonished that he would do such a thing but nevertheless arrested him, as he thought it his duty to do. A few days later Willens was executed by being burned at the stake in the town of Asperen. It was precisely his Christlikeness that brought on his execution."

I've heard many stories of martyrs throughout history, but this really hit me in a different way. Being truly good is not something this world appreciates, and by 'world' I mean the norms of society and culture all over the globe. You're discriminated because of who you are, and some won't stop until your heart stops beating.

Those who choose to love their enemies and reach out to save a drowning, freezing pursuer or hitman, often don't have anything to gain out of it. The whole premise doesn't make sense; Willens could have escaped and saved his life, but he didn't, simply because of the person he had become: someone who truly valued what was good.

We'll stick out like sore thumbs if we go around doing that kind of thing, but in a world where almost everyone cares only for themselves, or at most, their loved ones and close friends, I find this a much healthier and more encouraging path down which to walk.

And I can only remember the words of a great teacher, "If you love only those who love you, what is the reward in that?"