Watching For Pauls

Watching for Pauls

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.

Romans 12:9

As I was catching up with a dear friend, our conversation turned to a man in her small community. An avowed atheist, he had taken to standing on street corners with a large sign and loudly proclaiming his stance on a variety of issues. He was clearly looking to provoke a reaction, and unfortunately, he succeeded. The letters to the editor section of the local paper was filled weekly with angry, rude letters submitted by community Christians vehemently disagreeing with this man’s stance and actions.

My friend’s position on the entire situation struck me as particularly wise. She was irritated at the Christians who were publicly berating this individual. She was frustrated by their misunderstanding of what it means to engage with nonbelievers in a respectful dialogue—one that invites others into a relationship with Christ rather than shutting down conversation and living up to the (sometimes rightfully earned) reputation of Christians as hateful individuals.

She told me that this man had been attending local churches and listening to the gospel, and had even subscribed to my friend’s blog in which she explores faith, life, and what it means to be a Christian.

“Julie, this man is Paul—you know, before he met Christ,” she said, with frustration evident in her voice. Although he proclaimed to have no faith, his actions revealed an inner battle as he continued to engage and listen, and he was clearly being drawn toward Christ. Her words made me stop to think about the potential Pauls in my own life—how do I treat people with whom I disagree, especially those who do not share my faith?

We are called to be loving toward people, to really love them, even when we do not agree with their message, and perhaps especially when we do not agree with their message. This is hard stuff, and I often wrestle with putting it into action. It is my prayer that I would not miss the Pauls of this generation, and that I would recognize those who are seeking God (even if they do not yet know it), take a deep breath, and engage in conversation with respect and empathy.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Think of someone you know who is a potential Paul. Pray for them and extend them some extra kindness.