Today’s Reading | Acts 9
Being Willing to Support
Think of someone you know who does not behave at all like a Christian. How would you respond if he came to you unexpectedly and told you he had gotten saved? How would you react to someone who had been a terrible gossip but had recommitted his life to Christ and no longer wanted to be known as one? What if he had gossiped about you? Much too often, we as Christians are slow to accept the changes people attempt to make. In this passage, we see that Paul’s life had changed, and those he needed most were skeptical and afraid. They did not trust his words and were unwilling to give Paul the support he needed to be able to grow. It was remarkable to read in verse seventeen that Ananias greeted Paul by calling him, “brother.” It was remarkable also that Barnabas stepped forward as a witness that God had truly changed Paul’s life. Are you guilty of treating someone with doubt and suspicion who has recently made a commitment? What can you do today to show love and acceptance toward them? It would be an encouragement and may be just what he needs. Be open to the work of God in other people’s lives.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
Observation: What do I see?
So What?
Interpretation: What does it mean?
Now What?
Application: How does it apply to me?
Then What?
Implementation: What do I do?