God's Patience

1 Timothy 1:15-16 -- God’s Patience

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.

Paul has the humility to admit that he is “the worst of sinners,” showing that God’s forgiveness is a true gift and nothing that he deserves. If Paul, a persecutor of the early Christian church, can be forgiven and used as a vessel of God’s grace to others, then there is hope for everyone. Let us never forget this. God loves each one of us, even when we are at our lowest point. There is no limit to God’s love or his desire to see us repent and change our wayward trajectory in life. Through faith, Jesus uses each of us to reach out to others in hope and kindness, love and mercy, if we just put ourselves into his care, trusting in the loving grace he gives each of us no matter our sins. 

Always remember that God loves each of us without limit. So when we encounter the person who tries our patience, makes us angry, or shatters our peace, never forget that God loves that person without limit as well. And although it is often a challenge, maybe we, too, can find a way to love and offer hope to the difficult people in our lives, too. For God knows I am a difficult person, too, but my flawed nature has only increased his presence in my life. 

This week, instead of wishing that difficult person would go away, let us find a place in our hearts to welcome them and reflect the patience and love only God can give. 

Peace, 

Stan