Channelling the miracles of God

S: Acts 19

O: This chapter is full of miracles. But while we often focus on the dramatic miracles—such as healings through Paul’s garments or the failed exorcism of the seven sons of Sceva—Acts 19 also shows how God’s power works through wisdom and restraint. The city secretary’s calm response to the riot is just as much a sign of God’s intervention, preventing chaos and promoting peace.

Even more remarkable is that the city secretary, though not a believer, played a crucial role in preventing violence. This reminds us that God’s work is not limited to His followers—He can use anyone, even those who do not recognise Him.

A: We may not face an angry mob, but we do encounter conflict—whether in family, workplace, or online discussions. Out of concern for the political situations in the USA, Malaysia, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and elsewhere, I often share articles on Facebook. However, these posts sometimes spark heated debates among my Facebook friends and followers, both Christian and non-Christian. Like the city secretary, we have a choice: we can either fuel division or seek peace. Instead of escalating tensions, we can listen, de-escalate, and respond with God’s love.

Sometimes, we may assume that only Christians can do God’s work. But Acts 19 challenges this notion. Just as the city secretary promoted peace and justice despite not being a believer, people around us—whether they share our faith or not—may be doing God’s work in ways we don’t immediately recognise. We should be open to seeing God’s hand even in unexpected places.

Instead of dismissing those who believe differently, we can acknowledge the good they do and even collaborate for justice, peace, and the common good. In today’s polarised world, it’s easy to see those with different political leanings as enemies. But Acts 19 challenges us to see beyond labels and recognise the good that people do, regardless of their beliefs. Just as the city secretary upheld peace and justice without following Jesus, there are people—whether liberal or conservative, Christian or not—who are working for justice, compassion, and the common good in ways we may not expect.

Like the city secretary, we can be voices of reason in tense situations. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean ignoring truth, but it does mean engaging with wisdom and love—choosing understanding over division. Whether in personal conversations, online discussions, or community efforts, we can reflect Christ’s love by refusing to demonise others and instead working toward reconciliation and truth.

P: Lord, sometimes I let my convictions bring me to anger and reply to people who believe differently harshly.

Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
where there is injury, your healing power,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace:
where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, only light,
and where there’s sadness, ever joy.

O, Spirit, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace:
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving to all that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Amen.