We all know the story of Saul. He prosecuted the early Saints, then had a sort of Alma the Younger experience, changed his ways, and became Paul, one of the most powerful men in the scriptures.
I love this story, it perfectly illustrates how much love the Lord has for us. He tolerated Saul's attempts to destroy His church and murder His disciples. Then, when He decided to bring him back into the fold it was done with such astounding love and mercy. Saul could have been wiped off the face of the planet so easily. Instead he was spoken to (Privately even! No one else heard the voice) and it was explained how much more sad he would be later for this rebellion right now. True he was blinded for three days, but I feel that was more to enable the repentance that occurred than to punish him.
Then remember Ananias? He was told to go help Saul. He was confused for a while. Saul had probably been planning to destroy him and the saints in Damascus. Still, Ananias obeyed the Lord and learned to forgive Saul.
How can we follow these examples? Being loving and forgiving to someone who is the "Saul" of our lives. Sometimes we like to hold back our love from someone we feel doesn't deserve it. Maybe they hurt us, or someone we love. We can still forgive and love them. Every child of God deserves at least that much.
I invite everyone who reads this to look at your life to someone who you feel has wronged you. Maybe you feel like you've forgiven them, but you find it hard to love them. Remember the story of Saul, and those who love and forgave him.
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