Remember Saul, a persecutor of Christians, was on his way to Damascus (in all probability, to persecute new Christians even killing them if necessary).  While traveling, he was blinded by a bright light, as a result of having a power struggle with God. He could not see, so he was then led by his companions to Damascus.  Ananias, in Damascus, was told by God to go to Saul after three days and lay hands on him to restore Saul’s sight.  With his vision restored, a conversion happened and Saul was renamed Paul and told to spread the true word of God. Many books of the New Testament are attributed to Paul. He wrote letters to encourage the new Christians and even follow up letters to reiterate the importance of following Jesus’ teachings. The conversion of Saul to Paul was a complete 180 ⁰  change.  He was a true believer and evangelist. Silas and Timothy among others were his companions and fellow evangelists, traveling and sharing the Word of the Lord.

Believed to be one of Paul’s earliest letters was the Book of Thessalonians.  II Thessalonians 3:16 “May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!”

This sage advice is from centuries ago. Sadly, it is a message WE NEED now. Our times do not seem to be much different. Perhaps your prayer could be for peace, so we can get along with each other at all times. Like the Thessalonians, we need to be reminded of His perfect peace and unconditional love and strive for that peace to permeate our very beings.

Peace, Jill