1 Timothy 1:13-14 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.
Two thoughts about this one. What was I like before I met Jesus? I don't feel like I have an awesome testimony where I could talk about how lost I was and how Jesus turned my life in a completely new direction, like Paul here, for instance. I was brought up with the knowledge of Jesus from my earliest memories. However, I know what my heart and mind were like before I met Him, and I am so very thankful for the way God has transformed my heart and renewed my mind in Christ. Sometimes I get so busy thinking ahead that I forget to take a look back just to thank God for His mercy and faithfulness along my journey. I want to forge ahead and move with such great speed, that I don't take the time to consider the foundation and growth in Jesus that got me here. I am also reminded, as I read this passage, that people can and do change, or rather that God changes people. When I find myself frustrated with the behavior of others, I am challenged by verses like this to pray for God to bring those people near to Him and change their hearts, instead of grumping and wishing/praying ill will on them. The grace of God is unmatched by any human effort. If we can accept it for ourselves and pray it on others, we will experience a very different world.
No comments:
Post a Comment