Scheduled to sing a special song in the evening service at church, I was meditating on what I should say to the congregation as a prelude to the song, “I’ve Been to the Potter’s House.”

The Lord reminded me of a phone call I once received in the office. This man was questioning his salvation, telling me that he had done some pretty bad things before he was saved and that he had a hard time believing God would really forgive him. This man was also handicapped, with a permanent disability due to his neck being broken.

As we talked, I assured him that there wasn’t anything he could have done that would have been so bad for God not to forgive him if he had repented and asked His forgiveness. I reminded him of King David and how he had committed adultery with Bathsheba, plus had her husband killed. Yet, God forgave him when he truly repented and turned back to Him. 

Then, I reminded him of Saul (before God changed his name to Paul). I described how he was responsible for persecuting the Christians, even having them killed. Yet, God not only forgave him, but also used him as a great apostle to the Gentiles, and who also wrote about half of the books in the New Testament. 

With God’s help, I reassured this man that God had truly forgiven him for all that he’d done, but he needed to forgive himself. I also encouraged him that God had a purpose for him. Yes, this inspirational story was what God wanted me to share before singing:

Tossed about by life’s battles

All my hope was sinking fast

The sinful life that I was living

I knew that I just could not last

Then I went down to the potter’s house

And placed this vessel into His hands

On His wheel of grace and mercy

He made me over again.

If God could forgive David, and if he could forgive Saul, then he’ll forgive any of us if we turn from our sins and call on Him. He can take our broken lives and make something beautiful out of them, even when we don’t think there’s any hope.

Later on, during the communion service, I was meditating on Jesus and what He had done for me. It’s important to make sure my heart is clear before I partake of the holy communion, which represents His broken body and spilled blood – making sure I ask God to forgive my sins, plus making sure I don’t have any unforgiveness in my heart.

As I was praying, I confessed to God that I forgave all of the people who have hurt me and persecuted me, even those who didn’t even realize they were persecuting me. Then, I hesitated as the Holy Spirit helped me understand what I had just prayed. He reminded me of the scriptures I had searched out before singing regarding Saul and how he had persecuted the Christians. Saul thought he was doing a work for God, that he was doing God a favor by persecuting and destroying the Christians. He honestly believed this was the right thing to do.

The Holy Spirit then spoke to me and told me that many people today are persecuting Christians and don’t even realize it. They not only speak against men and women of God and the work they are doing, but they also stir up strife, doubt, and division by sharing these thoughts with others. They honestly believe they owe it to others to tell them the truth. However, they are not building up God’s kingdom. They are tearing it down with their criticisms and misjudgments – all in the name of doing a work for God. They magnify a person’s faults or weaknesses – out of a false sense of duty.

The sad thing is that many of these people seem to be blinded to the fact that Satan is using them as a tool to tear down God’s people. Unfortunately, it has been said that Christians are the only species on earth that destroy their own wounded. How sad! I know because there have been so many people – yes, Christian people – who have said destructive things either to me, or about me, and, likewise, done things that have hurt and discouraged me. Now, I know I am far from being perfect, but I have a heart for God and a heart to serve Him and work for Him. Wouldn’t you think that all Christians would be on the same side trying to encourage one another? Why do we criticize, find fault, nit-pick, or hold past mistakes over each others’ heads? It shouldn’t be this way!

Through the years, many Christians have persecuted me and my family, and they haven’t a clue as to the damage they’ve done to God’s kingdom.

Yes, Lord, I forgive those who have persecuted me, saying or doing things that hurt or discouraged me, even if they didn’t realize what they were doing. And, Lord, help me never to be one who persecutes another Christian brother or sister. I don’t want to be a part of tearing anyone down, especially their work for your kingdom. Please forgive me for times I may have done just that, and Lord, help me to never do it again. Lord, during those times I feel persecuted, help me to remember your Word:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(Matthew 5:10-12)

Vicki