Paul's Changed Heart
On the road, Saul meets a bright light and his heart is completely changed. As Paul, he becomes someone who tells everyone about love.
Hard-Hearted Saul
There was a man named Saul. He was very learned and determined, but at first he did not like Jesus' friends at all. He went from one city to another to make trouble for them. Saul believed he was doing the right thing; but in fact he was mistaken, and he had not yet realized it. Sometimes people can be on the wrong path even when they are very sure of themselves. Saul was very learned and very determined; if only he had used these strong qualities for good. Those around him were wary of him, because he was harsh and angry. But God knew that deep in Saul's heart there was something good, and He did not give up on him. One day he set out again, toward a city called Damascus.
The Bright Light on the Road
As Saul was walking along the road, a very bright light suddenly flashed from the sky. The light was so strong that Saul stopped right where he stood. At that moment he heard a gentle but powerful voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you so harsh toward me?” In amazement Saul asked, “Who are you?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus.”
Seeing Again
This meeting affected Saul deeply. In that moment his eyes could no longer see, and his friends took him by the hand and led him into the city. For three days Saul saw nothing. During this time he thought a great deal and prayed. Little by little, his heart grew soft.
Then God sent a kind-hearted man named Ananias to Saul. Ananias was a little hesitant at first, because he knew Saul's reputation. But still he went, sat down beside Saul, and gently placed his hands on him. In that moment Saul's eyes opened again! Saul was now a completely different person.
Paul Who Told of Love
From that day on, Saul began to tell everyone about Jesus' love. He later came to be known by the name Paul. Saul, who had once been against Jesus' friends, was now one of their bravest and most loving companions. He set out on long journeys, wrote many letters, and carried hope and love to countless people.
Paul's story teaches us something very beautiful: no one is too “late” to change. Even the heart that seems hardest can grow soft. God's love offers everyone a new beginning. We too, when we are on a wrong path, can stop and choose a better way — just as Saul became Paul.
Talk about the story
Saul's heart changed in a single day. When did you choose to change your mind and do something better?