The Fruits of Our Love

Acs 9: 19-25

“19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. 23 After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.”

As soon as Saul regained his strength (and his eyesight) he began to preach the good news of Jesus Christ...in the synagogues.  This surely was a surprise to the Jews that heard him and were not familiar with his conversion to Christianity.  

Have you ever run into anyone who, after having a religious experience (not necessarily Christian), has been drastically changed and they are like a different person?  This has happened to me on several occasions.  Sometimes I wondered if they were sincere and at other times it seemed genuine.

What makes the experience genuine is not really what the person says or professes to believe, it is how they live and act toward others over the course of their lives.

We have the privilege of knowing that Paul’s conversion was real from the beginning in Damascus to the end of his life in Rome.  Through his letters, we know his thoughts, and through the churches he founded we know the fruits of his love.

What is our story?  Will those around us know us through our love? 

And what will be the fruits of our love?

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)

The Desire to Change

1 Kings: 3:9-14

“9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. 14 If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”

Solomon knew his limitations as a ruler and asked God for wisdom.  

Few of us care to dwell on our limitations, but it is through this knowledge that we grow, especially spiritually.  In fact, it may be impossible to grow spiritually if you do not recognize your faults, your sins, and the things you need to change.

All Christians are called to change, to be transformed.  Yet, it is not possible to change without self-awareness.  The good news is that the Holy Spirit can give us this kind of awareness and the power to change.

All we have to provide...is the desire.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)