Galatians 1:13–14 (NLT): You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

Paul had a serious reputation. He wasn’t just intellectually opposed to the christian movement, he was violently persecuting it. He describes himself here as an enemy of Gods church. He wanted to destroy it, he did everything he could, gave it his best. He fought for what he thought was right.

He fought relentlessly for religion and tradition.

Everyone has a past. Some of us did terrible things. We hurt people, and caused much suffering. In our arrogance we were blind to it. Now we cling unto redemption and forgiveness like rare treasure. We possess them and own them as soon as our hearts eyes are opened. They are ours and we hold them so close we will never let them go again.

Sometimes we are much slower or reluctant to give redemption or forgiveness away.

We forget how bad or far off we really ever were. We replace our once plain need, our great spiritual poverty for some form of discreet self righteousness.

We begin to think, “I must have done some good, I must have offered something. I certainly must have deserved at least a shed of forgiveness more than this one or that. After all, I am not a rapist, murderer or religious terrorist. I am not as bad as other people!”

Yes, we make much of our personal salvation. This is rightfully so, but not at the expense of others in the exercise of greed or pride.

God redeemed Paul’s story.

He redeemed mine.

He can redeem yours… and your enemies.

In God’s true gospel both the perpetrator and victim have equal access to grace. Jesus died for both.

Your sins are neither greater or lesser than anyone else’s. They are yours.

Have you ever considered your enemies forgiveness?

So often we want to share our testimony and make much of our past in order to make more of grace. But we must approach others in light of grace first. We can’t look at their current sinfulness and depravity and believe they are too far gone or undeserving of forgiveness or a path towards redemption.

We must fight our own bias towards sin as to welcome the sinner into the throne room of grace. Now this is not acceptance of willful sin, or ignorance towards the requirements of justice. But rather the same tender care that Christ showed each of us as he convicts and leads us through repentance.

Practically speaking, this looks like the counselee speaking openly and honestly about their sin, sufferings or struggles as the counselor listens without contempt or prideful judgement. This is the christian man or woman listening to a non christian friend while withholding their condemnation and instead asking questions that point to the gospel. This is the chaplain who patiently hears the anger and pain of a mother who is watching their terminally ill child die, without offering biblical quips or empty words.

If we believe truthfully that all humans are victims of the fall into sin, we look upon them with compassion. Those who are apart from God exist in spiritual darkness. They live in the wilderness territory and under the dominion of evil rulers. They are vulnerable and in great need of rescue.

I pray we may all remember our past, and the wonder of our future in grace. May we seek to offer His merciful hope to those who least deserve it.

Peace be with you.