Devotion:
Read Acts 9:10-18.
Can you imagine the courage it took for Ananias to walk into the house where Saul was? I’m guessing that most every follower of Jesus in the region had heard of Saul’s crusade against them. His latest adventure was to Damascus, where he planned to arrest every Christian he could find. He was convinced that this movement was not of God and must be stamped out. Folks had heard about him approving the stoning of Stephen, so they knew he wouldn’t stop at just putting them in jail. And God’s voice comes to Ananias, telling him to go to this man and offer healing and guidance to him. Understandably reluctant at first, he goes. In the midst of obeying God, he witnesses two miracles: Saul’s sight is restored and he seeks baptism to become a follower of Jesus as well.
Yes, Ananias showed a tremendous amount of both trust in God and courage to obey God’s instructions. It also showed his willingness to forgive. This man had hurt and frightened a lot of people. He had negatively impacted Ananias’ life. But in going to him and offering God’s good news, he forgave him. By putting his hands on him to heal him and by baptizing him, he forgave him.
I don’t know whether God will ever instruct you to do something that you sense could put you in danger. But I do believe that every act of forgiveness takes courage.
Personal Worship Option:
For whom would you need the most courage to forgive? God will give you that courage, if you will just ask.
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