No one hated the church any more than Saul did. No one had done more to harm the early Christians than had Saul. He had brought great suffering to many godly, innocent people. Yet when he was converted, he instantly became a “brother” to every believer of his day. No longer was he an enemy. He was now family.
Christianity has no place for second-class members. There is no probation period where new converts must first adequately prove themselves before they are accepted. The moment someone becomes a Christian, they join the family of God as full members.
Saul had so persecuted the church that it took time for some to believe he was sincere. But he was no less family. His past was not held against him. No penance was required. Each believer knew that, but for the grace of God, they too would lie beyond the pale of divine salvation.
Who in your life do you struggle to accept as a member of the family of God? Are you skeptical of some? Do you watch and wait for some to fail? Or do you warmly embrace and encourage each new believer with the fervency of someone who has never lost the wonder of God’s grace in their own life?