“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 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.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Paul realized how great of a sinner he was. He called himself the worst sinner. This could be debated as to if he was the worst or if someone else had been worse than him. Regardless of how much a person has sinned, he is a sinner and among the worst.
One must see how bad being a sinner really is. Once that can be seen, it can also be seen how great God’s patience and mercy is.
There are believers, who have been in the church for their whole life or many years, who forget the sin side of their life. If they grew up in the church, they don’t think of their “small” sins (such as telling a lie, cheating on a test, etc.) as that great. Or if they were saved later, but have been a believer for many years, they forget who they had been.
Sin is still sin. It is still against God. When Jesus has saved you, you are saved from your sins. The mercy is just as great for you who has sinned little and for the one who has sinned a lot. Jesus has the same patience for both of you.
If God has patience with you, you, also, should have patience with others that are growing in the Lord Jesus.
How do you see yourself? Are you a great Christian believer? Or are you the worst sinner being saved by grace?
Regardless of whether you told a lie or you murdered a thousand people, you were a sinner. If you are believing in Jesus today, you are being saved.
Do not forget who you were. Remember that at one time you were also against Jesus. Show that example to others so that they may know they may be saved also.
I pray today that you will know how bad all sin is; that you will know the grace, mercy and patience God has for you; that God will help you turn from all sin; and that you will be a light in this world of His love, grace, mercy, and patience.
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