INTRODUCTION

Paul’s decisions to persecute the church of God (Galatians 1:13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
See All...) caused great hesitancy on the part of believers to accept Paul when he was converted. When the Lord spoke to Ananias, Ananias reminded the Lord of Paul’s past endeavours as well as his present mission. The Lord had to reassure Ananias that all was well, and that Paul was a chosen vessel to be used of God. When Paul began preaching Christ, many were amazed because they knew Paul as "he that destroyed them which called on this name" (Acts 9:21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
See All...). When Paul "was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple" (Acts 9:26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Even as a child you have a reputation (Proverbs 20:11Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
  See All...). Are friends glad to have you visit in their home or do they dread to see you come? How do you act in Sunday School; before, during, and after church; at the store, etc?
• Why was Ananias hesitant about going to Paul? Why were the disciples hesitant about accepting Paul into their number? How can your actions cause others to accept or reject you?
• Paul was converted in Acts 9, but his reputation was not changed overnight. What can we learn from Paul’s struggles about the importance of maintaining a good reputation?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to show you the importance of each action.
• Ask God to give you patience as you seek to fix your reputation.

HYMN

And Can it Be That I Should Gain?

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