1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NRSV)
Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, Verse 13even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, Verse 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Verse 15The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the foremost. Verse 16But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. Verse 17To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
One great privilege of working with patients in treatment for addiction is traveling the borderline between human despair and God's redemption. When failure breaks one’s spirit, there may be nothing to hope in – just the demand that they better succeed this time or give in to despair.
God's mercy may seem to be one-dimensional, with no impact on real, fallen people's lives. Isn't that why the Apostle Paul counts himself lost and damned? Elsewhere he says he could wish himself accursed if only that might help someone else experience God's grace.
Coming from a long line of believers, we may be tempted to take God’s mercy for granted. But watching people push through despair to hope, I am reminded that my security comes from what God has done, not from my faith heritage. I thank God for everyone who reminds me how much I need God's amazing grace.
Prayer
Lord heavenly Father, I give you thanks for mercy that wants nothing less than to get past all my defenses and reach that part of me which would otherwise preoccupy and limit my serving you with gratitude and joy. Amen.