One movie that I recently watched seems to fit that bill perfectly. Emma, produced in 1932, is such a movie. It is about a mature woman (Marie Dressler as Emma) who selflessly and lovingly raises a widower's children, giving them constant care and attention as they grow only to become spoiled young adults.

Plot Twists

Emma had never taken a vacation and decided after 30 years it was well overdue. She was going to Canada for a month. The widower did not want her to be gone that long, but he was kind and knew that she deserved it. This is when there was an unexpected twist. He decided to reveal his love for her, after all these years, and ask her to marry him and then travel with her to Canada. Surprisingly, she accepted!

While on their month-long honeymoon, tragedy struck the newlyweds. While rowing a boat, her new husband collapsed and died. The children were shocked about the death but seemed more upset about the marriage of their dad to a woman they considered a servant. They accused Emma of going after his money, and even causing his death.

Unjustly Accused

The children were very angry that their dad left all his money and house to Emma, who they considered just the housekeeper. But their dad had known that Emma would take care of his kids, and that the kids would have squandered the money. Yet the kids took her to court, accusing her of murdering their father for his money.

While Emma's lawyer belittled the kids to the jury, which they deserved, this only upset Emma. She stood up in court and defended these spoiled young adults, for she could only see the kids that she had loved and cared for since their childhood. She asked her lawyer to stop belittling them.

The jury saw this great display of character from Emma and decided in her favor. They knew that a woman who would stand up for those who were accusing her of such a horrible crime, could never be guilty of such a deed.

Loving Her "Enemies"

After the court trial, Emma gave the money to the kids. She did not feel she deserved it. The young adults were humbled by Emma's actions. They realized what they had done and told her over and over again how sorry they were. They, too, had been moved in the courtroom when she stood up for them against her own lawyer.

Luke 6:35 fits perfectly for the story line:

"But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil."

Emma rose to the occasion with her character intact even while being attacked. How many of us can be an Emma and follow Luke 6:35 as she did when we are done wrong?