Faithful Friendship – Good Friendship Moves Beyond the Past (365/219)
Have you ever made up your mind about someone because of their past? Perhaps a colleague who failed, a friend who disappointed you, or someone whose reputation makes you hesitant to trust them.
“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.” (Acts 9:27)
Acts 9 tells us that when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him. They knew his reputation as a fierce persecutor of the church and struggled to believe that his conversion was genuine (Acts 9:26). Their caution was understandable. But Barnabas stepped forward. He took Saul to the apostles, testified to his encounter with Christ and explained how boldly he had already preached in Jesus’ name (v27-28). Barnabas was willing to put his own credibility behind Saul’s transformation. He did not excuse Saul’s past; he recognised that Christ had changed him. Later, Barnabas sought out Saul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where they served and taught together before being sent out by the Holy Spirit for missionary work (Acts 11:25–26; 13:1–3).
Jesus sees beyond our failures and welcomes us through grace. He does not define us by our past; He makes us new (2 Cor. 5:17). His grace gives us the courage to extend that same hope to others.
Pause and Ponder
Am I letting someone’s past shape how I see their future?
Who needs my encouragement as they grow and change?
Do I recognise and affirm Christ’s work in others?
Faithful friendship recognises God’s transforming work and makes room for others to flourish in His purposes.
Lord, give me eyes to see people through Your grace rather than their past. Amen.
Extended Reading: Acts 9:1-31
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