Brotherly love

Saul, who was converted from persecutor of Christians to the foremost evangelist Paul, is a tremendous role model for surrendering one’s life to Jesus. But another man in that story warrants celebration, too.
Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, lived in Damascus when Saul was led there, blind from his bright-light encounter with Jesus. The Lord told Ananias to visit Saul, lay hands on him and restore his sight (see Acts 9:11-12). Not surprisingly, Ananias resisted; he knew of Saul and his violence toward Christians. Yet the disciple surrendered and obeyed.
To top it off, when Ananias arrived, he spoke the warmest of greetings: “Brother Saul …” He didn’t just call Saul by name, nor did he berate him. Despite initial misgivings, Ananias claimed this former enemy as a fellow member of God’s family. What an act to follow!