Bible Verse:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (WEB)
Our Bible Story from Acts 9:
Paul (called Saul before his conversion) was a man who hated Christians. He thought they were teaching the wrong things about God. He even travelled to different cities to arrest them. One day, on the road to Damascus, a bright light suddenly shone around him. He fell to the ground, blinded by the brightness. A voice said, “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Terrified, Saul realised it was Jesus speaking. When he got up, he couldn’t see. His friends led him into Damascus, where he spent three days without sight. God then spoke to a man named Ananias and told him to go pray for Saul. Ananias was scared because he knew Saul’s reputation, but he obeyed. When Ananias prayed, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. This experience changed Saul’s heart completely. He became Paul, a devoted follower of Jesus, traveling everywhere to tell people about God’s amazing love and forgiveness. People were shocked that the man who once hated Christians was now a leader in the church.
Admonition:
Paul’s story shows us no one is too far gone for God to rescue and transform. Maybe you’ve done something you feel really bad about—lied to a friend, cheated on a test, or said hurtful words to someone. Remember how God forgave Paul. He can forgive you, too, and help you change for the better. Even if you know someone who seems mean all the time, God can still reach them. Our job is to pray for them and show kindness, just like Ananias did. You can also pray for yourself when you struggle with anger, jealousy, or any behaviour that hurts others. Ask God to help you let go of those bad habits and start new. Kayla used to pick on her siblings a lot. When she learned Paul’s story, she prayed every day for patience and found new ways to be kind instead of mean. Over time, her siblings noticed she was changing. God can take our worst mistakes and turn them around if we let Him. Always remember, His forgiveness is bigger than any wrong thing we’ve done. If Paul, once an enemy of Christians, could become one of the greatest messengers of Jesus’s love, imagine what God can do with your life if you let Him!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me just like You forgave Paul. Help me change my heart so I can share Your love with others. Amen.
Pledge:
I will trust God to change my heart and forgive my mistakes, and I will show His love to others.
