SCRIPTURE: Acts 18:1-17

OBSERVATION:
Paul’s preaching inspires faith and provokes conflict. Regardless of the response, the Lord wants us to declare the message. If people reject it, or refuse to listen, that is their decision. We do not force people to believe (or not believe) something, like the Jews did, but respectfully allow people to make their decision, for better or worse, and leave them to God’s mercy.

APPLICATION:
The Jews are agitated because Paul is drawing people away from their “church”; how would we respond if someone started drawing members away from our church to a questionable faith? Would we respond abusively? Does not this violent response ultimately show the weakness of their religion? Likewise, does my anger, bitterness, harsh words to someone against me, reveal the weakness of my religion (or faith)?

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to respect people enough to let them not accept the gospel. And help me to not be negative to those who are negative to me, or You, but to just keep on speaking Your message in a loving, honest way. Amen.