Les Misérables: Growing in Practical Holiness - Wesleyan (Romans 12:9-21)

Imagine a dimly lit, cramped room in 19th-century France, where Jean Valjean, a man once consumed by bitterness and vengeance, now stands at a crossroads. This scene unfolds after years of hardship and transformation. Fresh from his prison shackles, Valjean takes a moment to reflect on the path he's walked—one laden with resentment. Yet, in that moment, a flicker of something new ignites within him—a desire to embody the love he has known, a love that mirrors the essence of agape, unconditional love.

Fast forward to an encounter that would test his newfound resolve. As Valjean confronts Inspector Javert—his relentless pursuer and embodiment of the law—he finds himself in a familiar, yet vastly different, situation. The air is thick with tension; flickering candlelight dances across their faces, revealing years of pain and conflict. In his heart, the old Valjean might have lashed out, returning hatred for hatred, but something has shifted. Instead, he reaches out, offering Javert grace when he could easily choose vengeance. This is the sanctification that Romans 12:9-21 speaks of—a transformation that invites us to let love be genuine, to bless those who curse us, and to overcome evil with good.

As the church bells toll outside, Valjean’s act of mercy reverberates through his spirit. Each choice to embody love is a step toward authenticity, a skill honed through practice and prayer. He stands as a testament to the possibility of change, reminding us that in our own lives, we too can grow in holiness. We can learn to respond with kindness instead of anger, to bless instead of curse. Just as Valjean's journey led him to embody the very heart of Romans 12, our journey invites us to move beyond our past wounds and embrace the transformative power of love.