April 4, 2020
13 …even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:13-14; 16
Leawood has a legacy of visitation. As a general practice of the church, members will go out to visit recent church visitors or absentee members. Once, every now and then, someone will suppose themselves “too bad” to be saved. Reasoning that the Lord would surely not waste His salvation efforts on them. They just feel that they are too far gone. The only problem with that, is that it would make God unjust. If grace and mercy and salvation aren’t offered to all, no matter what, then He is unjust. But, as followers of Christ, we believe that He is the most just of all.
I want to encourage you that if you ever believe that you’ve gone too far just one too many times and that “this one must be the one that breaks the ‘deal,’” it is not. Paul knew who he was before salvation and what justification he had received. Counting himself to be the “worst of all,” shows this. Christians don’t have a license to sin but we do have mercy and grace overflowing, and extraordinary patience from God. We must not be brought down by the sins of our past. Today, remember your chains are gone even if you think you’re worse than anyone you know.
Pray for the ones still held captive by their past sins.
Pray for Celebrate Recovery
Pray against the quiet voice that says you’re still not worthy.