Readiness to give and forgive

Today: Titus-Philemon

Today's passage felt a bit short to me (I don't know about you...), but it was packed with a lot of great messages.

The one that stood out to me was Paul's message to Titus about God's gift of salvation. Here's what it says:

God's readiness to give and forgive is now public.

Salvation's available for everyone!

We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life,

and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.

I loved how Paul described salvation as proof of God's heart to give and forgive...everyone who accepts it. Wow.

So many people struggle with having a readiness to give--if left to our own devices, we might stick to our two-year old attitudes, whining, "MINE!!!" We might hoard things or obsess about finding the next big gadget or fashion. We might neglect caring for the poor or even our own family members (biological or spiritual) in need. We might live in fear--afraid to give of our time, money or talent because we're "too busy," "not rich," or "not good enough."

Similarly, many people struggle with the ability to forgive...other people or themselves. They can't let go of past hurts, anger or resentment. Instead, they build up walls of "protection"--that ultimately block them from knowing what it is to be really loved or love someone else in return.

God is completely different. He gave Himself and His very life for all of us--for you and me...for Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King...and for Hitler and Osama bin Laden. And he's willing to forgive all of us, too. I can't even imagine looking with kindness toward someone like a Hitler let alone loving them. But God did. And if anyone of us (yes, Osama, too) asks for God's forgiveness, He's willing to give it.

That seems totally absurd for me to even write. Crazy. It's extreme...but that's how much God wants to give and forgive.

God doesn't categorize sin or goodness like we do--all human beings are sinners in need of a Savior, all who accept the gift of salvation are saved, and everyone (saved and unsaved) is LOVED equally.

Another interesting thing? Those who want to really follow God should adopt a similar pattern--having a heart that's quick to give and forgive.

When a terrorist is transformed

Today: Acts 9-10

What would you do if Osama bin Laden suddenly showed up in your town?

Imagine if he started shouting around your neighborhood, "I had a vision. I saw Jesus and heard His voice. I became blind--literally--but was healed. My life is changed! I'm not the guy I was before--I'm so sorry for the things I've done. I believe in Him now."

Holy cow.

To be honest, I don't think I'd trust him. I would call the FBI. I would be afraid--I mean, the guy has been responsible for the deaths of many innocent people. He hates Christians.

Obviously, this situation isn't real...or is it?

In Acts chapter 8, "Osama" was Saul--a Jewish guy who hated Christians so much that he hunted them down. He sought to kill them. He did kill them. But one day, he met Jesus on the road and was drastically transformed.

Some of the disciples were skeptical and afraid--they experienced the same reaction I would if this happened with Osama today. Some of Saul's former cronies tried to kill him after he believed in Jesus and started preaching around various cities.

After awhile, no one would doubt the validity of the change in Saul--so drastic that his name is changed (to Paul). The guy who murdered Christians becomes the world's most famous preacher--and risks his own life to tell the story of Jesus.

Though it's from another section of today's reading (these chapters include lots of great stories and text!), I thought Peter's words in this passage also applied to Saul...and anyone else...who has been changed by the power of God:

"It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer:

God plays no favorites!

It makes no difference who you are

or where you're from—

if you want God

and are ready to do as he says,

the door is open.

The Message he sent to the children of Israel—

that through Jesus Christ

everything is being put together again—

well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone..."

Tomorrow: Acts 11-13