Think about that person who really annoys you. You know who I mean. We all have someone. What about that person who is deliberately mean to you, who has hurt you again and again? What about the person who has hurt your friend, your family member? Just thinking about those people can produce some unpleasant feelings.
Now, imagine that God is speaking directly to you, telling you to reach out to that person.
What? Are you sure God? Let me remind you what they’ve done.
This is what happened when Saul, who became Paul was converted.
Acts 9:10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”
13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem;
14and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
16for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
17So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Can’t you just hear Ananais? “Um , Lord, Saul is the one who has been traveling all over and persecuting and killing those of us who believe in you. Are you sure you have the right man?” I’m sure Ananais knew folks who had been persecuted and maybe killed. Saul was definitely low down on his list of people he wanted to help.
But, he did go. And he did help. He even addressed Saul as “Brother, Saul.” He put aside his personal feelings about Saul and obeyed God’s instruction to reach out to him. And because of that, the ministry of one of the greatest missionaries was begun.
Lord, make me willing to reach out to those people I really don’t want to reach out to. Help me to be obedient to You, so You can use me.
It is hard sometimes to reach out to those who have hurt us. I keep thinking about what in their life is lacking, that they would hurt another person. I have the answer and I must be willing to show them the love of Jesus despite my pain. Great post!