Thought for the Week: Change

'Can people change or do we judge them by past deeds?'

This was the theme of a reflection by Rev Nick Hutchinson, in one of the trustee meetings. (exactly what he shared was not minuted but it has initiated this brief reflection)

Perhaps the greatest example of how a person can change is in the story of Paul in the New Testament

"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Paul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

— Acts 9:3–9, NIV

An amazing turn-around : from persecutor of the faith to propagator of the faith ... It can happen to anyone. a complete transformation. His eyes were opened to new possibilities. a new beginning.... It can happen to anyone ...

So let's not judge others and assume they cannot change: as someone said 'Don't judge me by my past: I don't live there any more" (anon)

based on talk by Rev Nick Hutchinson, member of the Christian Faith

Date: Monday 10th August 2020