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
The author of this letter, traditionally ascribed to the Apostle Paul, shares his understanding of being a recipient of God's grace: "The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (verse 14). In fact the author believes himself to be among the worst of the sinners and thus in even more desperate need of God's grace. I have a hunch that most of us have a hard time relating to the idea of being among the worst of sinners. It seems pretty easy to look around and see others who "seem so much worse!" The readings for this week, more so than in many weeks, seem to inform one another. They prod us to ponder how God's grace overflows even in the midst of and despite our own sin.
Prayer
O God of overflowing grace, we give you praise and thanks for your love and forgiveness. Amen.