1 Timothy 1:12-17 (New International Version)

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection:

Paul was a persecutor of the church, yet God had mercy on him. He knew that it was Christ who had made his life into something new so that he could live on God’s mission. In that same way Christ Jesus has immense patience for us. He knows that we won’t always get it right, but instead of giving up on us, Christ continues to work in our lives through His forgiveness and love. No longer do our past sins define us, but it is the inexhaustible mercy of Christ that is constantly at work in all that we do. It is in this that we can live lives that declare God’s goodness to those around us.

Response:

Let’s pray that we would not be caught up in reminiscing about our past mistakes and failures, but that we would continue to be made afresh in the wonderful work of Christ in our lives. For it is by His mercy that we can live and love others.