So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 HCSB
We all have faced difficult situations or even feared for our safety as a result of having to encounter someone. Dale Carnegie said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
Ananias was afraid of facing Saul because he had heard that Saul was coming to Damascus to arrest the believers and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. He could have stayed at home but he got out and obeyed God’s command. Ananias lovingly greeted Saul as “Brother” and then restored his sight. Additionally, he showed Saul how he could be saved and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Challenge: It is not easy to face our fears and show love toward those who hate us, but we must follow Jesus’ example and command to love and accept one another regardless of past experiences. Who do you know that you need to accept and love even though they have hurt you or others in some way? How can you show Christ’s love toward that person?