Before God

by Paulo Coelho on August 30, 2011

August 30: end of Ramadan. EID MUBARAK to all my Muslim friends here!
 
 

An old man sold toys in the Baghdad market. Knowing that his sight was not quite perfect, his customers sometimes paid him with fake money.

The old man discovered the ruse, but did not say anything.
In his prayers he asked God to forgive those who cheated him.
“Perhaps they’re short of money and want to buy presents for their children,” he said to himself.

The time passed and the old man died. Standing before the gates of Heaven, he prayed once more:

- Lord! – he said. – I am a sinner. I did many wrong things, I am no better than the false coins I was paid. Forgive me!

At that moment the gates swung open and a Voice was heard:

- Forgive what? How can I judge someone who all through his life never once passed judgment on others?
 
 
 

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{ 157 comments… read them below or add one }

karina May 11, 2012 at 1:04 pm

Nao podemos abaixar a cabeca para o mal, devemos sempre lutar para que o bem, a ética, o respeito e a verdade prevalecam. Só assim poderemos ter um mundo melhor…
Quem se omite esta colaborando com o mal e penso que nao é isto que DEUS deseja. Nunca devemos julgar as pessoas sem a certeza absoluta ou por simplesmente maldade, mas percebendo algo errado é necessário um julgamento prévio para que o culpado venha a tona e possamos discernir o bem e o mal das nossas acoes…

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Irma March 12, 2012 at 6:10 am

Thank you for being such a wise friend and spiritual teacher of humanity. We need you here long time.

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Veronica February 8, 2012 at 8:48 pm

I Love you Paulo

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Rizwan Hussain January 6, 2012 at 10:51 am

Dear Paulo Coelho, you are great inspiration for me. when ever i read your words, my deep buried soul cry for the love of God. You have changed the way the I looked toward God. Thank you very much.

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Mariam December 5, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Thank you for reminding this once again.

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petu October 19, 2011 at 7:20 pm

i come from a oral tradition society
you are my storyteller
i love you

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