The Grace Of Our Lord Was Poured Out On Me Abundantly

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

For years, feelings of unworthiness and shame over my less-than-godly past had an adverse impact on every aspect of my life. What if others discovered the extent of my blemished reputation?

We strive to seem perfect, we scrub our house spotless, and done our best clothes.

The apostle Paul accepted his new life in Christ, refusing to deny his past or let it stop him from serving the Lord. Because Paul knew Jesus’s work on the cross saved and changed him – the worst of sinners – he praised God and encouraged others to honor and obey Him.

When we accept God’s grace and forgiveness, we’re freed from our past. Flawed but fiercely loved, we have not reason to be ashamed of our real faces as we serve others with our God-given gifts.

God accepts us as we are, and changes us as we serve Him in love.

Our Daily Bread – October 21, 2018