Astonishing

Acts 9:21 "All those who heard him were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on His Name and hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?'" It is hard to change. Even if you do, people may not accept it or like it. Even if you repent and sincerely are a different person, it will not be easy. I understand that Saul, even when He gets name changed to Paul, really has a long way to go with the Jews. They feared him, loathed him and distrusted him. What about the great light and the voice that others heard? What about the witnesses to his blinding? What about Ananias's testimony? What about all the evidence that refutes our opinions of people? Humans are stubborn. We believe what we choose to believe, no matter what. I have to believe that people can be transformed. I know God can do that. But many of us don't want people or things to change. If the status quo fits our narrative, we are unable to hear or see it differently. We cannot forgive because we are empowered by what we want to believe. Regardless of the truth. I think we enjoy judging people, thereby trapping them in their status quo. Change is threatening and it ends our control. Lord please help us see each one as you see them. Even if we have to change in order to let others change. With His grace, Pastor Fred