DEVOTION – DAY 227

1 Timothy 1:15-16 “God Forgives”

 

1 Tim.1:15-16 “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 wanted to share how he had personally received God’s grace. Paul was convinced that the gospel was true – Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully Man, came to earth to die on the cross, so that all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior, will not have to perish and face judgment for their sins, but receive eternal life instead. Paul considered he was the worst of sinners. He had been a prominent critic of the followers of Jesus Christ. He persecuted the Christians in the beginning because he thought they were a dangerous cult. He was a strict and deeply religious Jew and he was offended by the teachings of Jesus. Paul testified here that Jesus Christ displayed His grace and immense patience and shown His mercy to him. If Jesus could forgive him, others who thought they were beyond redemption could also receive God’s grace and mercy. All they had to do is to put their faith and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and confess and repent of their sins.

 

We sometimes become insensitive to terrible sins because the news is full of them. We read about corrupt politicians who hide their ill-gotten gains and appear righteous in the public. We read of authorities who support terrible racist and unfair practices in the name of helping the poor and the marginalized. We read of the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. We read of viruses like Covid-19 being engineered in laboratories so that pharmaceutical companies can make great profits by selling vaccines. We read of people trying to dump newly born unwanted babies in toilets or rubbish heaps. If what we read is true, these are dreadful sins. However, these sins can be forgiven of the sinners confess and repent and turn to Jesus as Lord and Savior. No sin is so bad that the Lord cannot forgive. God’s grace and mercy is greater than the worst sins.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are gracious, merciful and loving. Please help us not to take for granted your grace and mercy. We also pray for the salvation of the lost. We pray these things in the great name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Do you think there are sins that are so terrible that God will not forgive? Discuss.
  2. How has God shown His grace and mercy to you? Share.
  3. How can you help someone who thinks he or she is too “bad” to be saved?
  4. Do you feel as if God is far from you because there is a “hidden sin”? What must you do about this sin? How does this devotion help you to get back closer to God?