There's a reason some people say, "There's no hate quite like Christian love." Many of the most vocal voices in the church seem more intent on winning arguments than sharing the gospel. When that's the case, scripture becomes a weapon instead of a word of hope. Speaking the truth in love sounds jeering and only perpetuates the divides among us.
It seems for some of us our need to be right overtakes our call to be reconcilers. I'm not sure how God is glorified when we let that happen. There's certainly no healing that happens. Lord, help us to remember that Christ came in truth and grace! If our truth isn't shared with grace, whose truth are we really sharing?
Many Christians know the story of Saul's conversion. Whereas he set out to destroy the church, God used him to build the church. Personally, it reminds me to never give up on someone. It stands as a testimony of God's willingness to transform anyone and use them as a holy vessel. What makes Saul's conversion so striking is that he was on his way to persecute Christians when it happened.
Before that, of course, he wasn't a follower of Jesus. But he was a God-fearing person, brought up and trained in the Jewish faith. He knew and probably preached about the steadfast love of God.
Even so, something else grabbed hold of him. He explained it to King Agrippa later in his ministry. Paul said of Christians, "I was so furiously enraged at them" (Acts 26:11).
Now, maybe he started with good intentions. He wanted to lead people away from what he supposed was something dangerous. At some point, though, that morphed into rage. He wasn't honoring God. He was satisfying his own sense of anger, pride and, perhaps, hatred. He was feeding a fire God never lit.
So, let's see his testimony today as a reminder for how we live. Don't let anger be a substitute for obedience and faithfulness. Stop chasing enemies and walk in mercy and compassion.
Stay blessed...john | 
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