Persecution

 

In Acts chapter 22, Paul shared part of his past and conversion experience.

He confessed to the way he hurt others.

He admitted to helping deliver men and women to prison.

He was brought up in religion and says he was "zealous toward God".  

Yet he looked for the weaknesses in others and then persecuted them "even unto death".

When Stephen was stoned to death, Saul stood by and held the cloaks of those casting stones .

And yet when he encounters the Lord on the road to Damascus, Jesus says, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

He doesn't ask why he hurt the others, but why he hurt HIM.

When we mistreat, mock, and ridicule others it hurts our Savior.  

One of my good friends who has an amazing 7 year old who has special needs shared a request for all parents of school age children as the school year begins.

Talk to your kids about how to treat EVERYONE.  

Those who look different.

Those  who act different.

Those who think different.

Those who talk different.

Those who have a different past.

Those who have hurt us.

Those we don't understand.

But here is the thing.  

Talking to your kids won't do any good unless your actions back it up.

And Paul's sermon is not just for kids.

It is often said kids can be so mean.

It is true that kids will make mistakes while learning to socialize.

But they will imitate what they have seen and heard.

What they've seen and heard at the grocery store.

What they've seen and heard at church.

What they've seen and heard at family events.

What they've seen and heard on screens.

What they've seen and heard at their ball games.

And especially what they've seen and heard at home.

It's easy for me to know when I do good I do it unto the Savior.

It's a bit harder and more sobering for me to internalize that when I mistreat others, no matter the reason, I am also mistreating Christ.  

I am grateful for this timely message.