Acts chapter 17 verses 2-5 (NIV)
As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd..
Paul used reasoning and the Scriptures to show those in the Synagogue the truth about Jesus. Some believed as did other local Greeks. It was also interesting to read of the prominent women who also believed.
But jealousy does dreadful things. Instead of searching the Scriptures, some people hired a lynch mob.
We may not persuade everyone with our testimony, but if the only way we can be discredited is by jealous lies, I think God must be at work, and we should be encouraged, not discouraged. In fact, this is when we should follow Jesus’ teaching on prayer. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew chapter 5 verse 44). It’s not an easy thing to do, but in doing so, we keep our own life right, and hopefully impact the lives of those who are making things difficult.
Dear Lord,
I know from experience that when we focus on people’s attitudes towards us, it takes our eyes away from You. Praying keeps our attitude right. Help me to leave those who cause issues to You, and remember that You have everything under control. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.