When You Choose To Listen And Care
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:27, NIV
When Saul went to Jerusalem, the disciples didn’t wholeheartedly accept him at first. They were hesitant to welcome him, perhaps because, in the past, he persecuted many Christians. But a man named Barnabas brought him to the apostles. He was the one who shared with them what Saul experienced and how the Lord had spoken to him. Barnabas chose to listen to him despite the disciple’s negative response. He paused and welcomed Saul like a friend.
In life, we will also encounter moments when we need someone like Barnabas, who would listen and love us genuinely regardless of our past mistakes. We need friends who would take some time to pause and give us company. The good thing was God sent one of his servants to help Saul. And most of the time, that’s one of our prayers, that God would send someone to assist us along the way.
On the other hand, we are also called to be like Barnabas. When we meet people like Saul who badly need some company, may we learn to take good care of them just like what Barnabas did. Perhaps, he didn’t focus on the wrong things that Saul did. Instead, he chose to listen and care. He became his friend. Someone who would lead him to the right people and openly welcome him.
Many times, we will encounter people who previously committed mistakes. The pain that they brought in our lives would somehow destroy our trust. But in case they decided to change, and follow God, may you have the courage to accept them without grudges in your heart. May you learn to listen to their stories and help them along the journey, just like what Barnabas did. May you have a heart that’s willing to love and serve them without expecting anything in return.
Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for giving us good friends. As we continue to walk with you, please give us a heart like Barnabas that’s always willing to accept others. Please remind us to listen and not immediately judge people according to their mistakes in the past. We pray that you will give us an understanding heart, that we may learn to love our neighbors especially those who needed help. This we ask and pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
