Pastor's Corner

Prior to his conversion, the Apostle Paul (under the name of Saul) was responsible for the imprisonment of Christians, some of them being put to death. The Lord got ahold of him and he became a new creation in Christ. Paul referred to himself as "the chief of sinners" to whom God had shown His long-suffering mercy.

There may be times when we need to be reminded that the Lord loves every person and desires them to be saved, regardless of what they've done or how horrible they have been. There are some we might consider a lost cause. Others we might disqualify because we've judged they've crossed too many lines.

When a woman wept at Jesus' feet and used the hair of her head to wash them, one of his disciples was not comfortable with her touching Him because she was known to be a great sinner. Jesus expressed that she loved much because she was forgiven much.

God forgives. God loves even those who have personally wounded us, hurt a person we love, plotted evil against us, and taken what was ours. The same love Christ had for the lost is the same love He puts in our hearts for even our enemies. We are given His power and grace to pray for the lost and view them through the love Jesus had for them when He died for their sins. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise (he promise of His return) as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church