Acts 7:59–8:1 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

The Apostle Paul had been an enemy of the church. He was an accomplice when Stephen was murdered by a mob. He was so convinced that Christians had to be stopped that he made it his business to persecute believers and drag them to prison in chains. He did everything in his power to put an end to Christianity.

But what happened on the road to Damascus changed things. The one who had been an enemy of Christ and a persecutor of God’s people was called by God and dedicated himself to proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. He then faced obstacles and hardships, including the same kind of persecution he used to dish out. He was attacked by mobs, beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned. He endured emotional stress, criticism, and opposition. How was he able to continue in the face of all this?

Paul had lived a life of hatred, murder and evil. How he must have shuddered when he remembered watching the stoning of Stephen, one of God’s dearly loved children. Think of the guilt that must have weighed on him when he recalled how he had treated Christians.

But Paul also knew God’s great love for him. That is why he could write in Romans:

Romans 7:24-25 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Paul had personally experienced the love and compassion of God in his life. He knew Jesus paid his debt, rescued him from his sin, and delivered him from death. That was the confidence that enabled him to move forward and share the love and compassion he received with others who needed it. He shared the message of how Jesus earned our forgiveness, life and salvation. Because Christ died for all, this message is for all and should go out to all. That is what drove Paul in his ministry,

It is the love of Christ that makes it all possible. It enabled and empowered Paul in his mission. And that same love of God in Christ makes it possible for you to continue in faithfulness and share Jesus with those you encounter every day.