Scripture: Acts 26:10
And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death.
Thought for the Day: Paul recognized his brutal treatment of the early Jesus followers. It had to have been painful for Paul to speak of them as “the saints”, the beautiful examples of faithfulness and devotion that he dismissed because he felt threatened by them. How many saints throughout Christian history have met ill-treatment, hate, persecution or even death because powers that be were threatened by the genuine power of love? You would think that no one would feel intimidated by a heart-felt expression that seeks healing, redemption and peace. Yet throughout the years, love has confronted the powers and principalities that do not have the best interest of others in mind. Paul was one of those who was confronted by that love, knocked to the ground, overwhelmed by the contradiction of it all, and then slowly started down the path that would lead to the transformative mercy and kindness of Jesus.
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to treat each person with love and kindness as I never know when I am meeting one of your saints. Amen.
DON’T MISS THIS SUNDAY
All Saints’ Sunday
