Returning to Lystra

If you like books filled with action and adventure, you won’t find anything better than the book of Acts. These accounts of the early church are incredible. After visiting several cities on their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra where they were well received initially. But some men from Antioch and Iconium showed up and turned the people against Paul. They even stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, and presumed that he was dead. But did you notice what he did? Even after being almost killed, Paul returned to Lystra to encourage the Christ-followers and strengthen their faith.

The word “strengthen” actually means to “warm up someone’s heart.” And this account should warm our hearts - and challenge us to follow this amazing example of Christian love and forgiveness.