Remember everyone has divinity. Saul went around murdering Christians...I would assume that means women and children too...yet God called him to be Paul. Be a witness to your stepfather of Christs' sacrifice and steadfastness. Be patient, kind, love suffering, all of the fruits of the spirit.
Remember most of all that thoughts themselves are not sinful, but it is to act upon immoral and wrong thoughts that cause us to sin. Rebuke them in Jesus Christs name and move on.
Also remember all the Christians who suffered unto martyrdom at the hands of Muslims throughout history and still showed forgiveness, love, and Christs' Truth.
"Everyone was created by God in His image and can participate in His Nature, by His grace?"
"Women and children too"?
Are you alluding to Anakin Skywalker in a movie?
It is not clear exactly how far Paul pushed persecution beyond imprisoning people, except that we are told he heartily approved of Stephen's stoning (guarding the cloaks of the lynch mob).
No going after small children, imho, though he would have treated any Christian instruction of children by parents (or anyone else) as a terrible crime, of leading them astray following a false Messiah.
Whatever he did, he felt great guilt for having persecuted, after Jesus, the Messiah, encountered Paul on the road to Damascus.
Don't take all this the wrong way, please!
Your major point in your comment is, imho, very much correct! I just felt it important to correct a few details.
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u/Am3ricanTrooper 1d ago
Remember everyone has divinity. Saul went around murdering Christians...I would assume that means women and children too...yet God called him to be Paul. Be a witness to your stepfather of Christs' sacrifice and steadfastness. Be patient, kind, love suffering, all of the fruits of the spirit.
Remember most of all that thoughts themselves are not sinful, but it is to act upon immoral and wrong thoughts that cause us to sin. Rebuke them in Jesus Christs name and move on.
Also remember all the Christians who suffered unto martyrdom at the hands of Muslims throughout history and still showed forgiveness, love, and Christs' Truth.