Scripture: âEven though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.â â1 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)
Devotion: Many of us have heard the saying, âignorance is bliss,â and sometimes not knowing something can spare us emotional pain. But the kind of ignorance weâre addressing today is the kind that hurts ; the kind that damages us and others. Paulâs transformation from Saul is the perfect example of how ignorance can be harmful. In todayâs scripture, Paul reflected on his past, recalling how his actions against the church were done out of ignorance. Yet through it all, he experienced the mercy of God.
Have you ever known someone who means well but ends up causing harm? Think about the character Steve Urkel , always trying to help but often making a mess. In a more serious way, Saul (before becoming Paul) was doing something similar. He wasnât persecuting the church out of hatred or evil intent ; he truly thought he was doing the right thing. He believed he was defending Godâs kingdom, but his understanding was based on tradition and not truth.
In our lives, we can fall into the same trap. Sometimes people, even loved ones, discourage or criticize others who are trying to live for God ; not out of malice, but because they simply donât understand. Maybe youâve mocked or questioned someoneâs deep devotion, or maybe youâve been the one made to feel foolish for following God wholeheartedly. Whether youâre the one doing the discouraging or the one being discouraged, awareness brings change.
On the road to Damascus, Jesus opened Paulâs eyes ; both spiritually and physically. The light from heaven revealed the truth: Saul wasnât fighting for God; he was fighting against Him. God used that encounter to transform his ignorance into understanding, his zeal into wisdom, and his blindness into vision.
Maybe God is calling you to open your eyes too. Have you been blind to the blessings that come from fully serving Him? Donât let ignorance keep you from growth, peace, and purpose. Study Godâs Word, seek His voice, and support others who are walking in obedience. Let God transform your understanding just as He did with Paul.
Amen!!
Amen! Father God open my eyes!đđ˝