Our scripture today is 1 Timothy 1:12-16.
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
Paul writes this testimony of his conversion to encourage Timothy in his ministry. He holds himself up as an example of one who first opposed Christ, but later received Christ and has taken on the work of the kingdom. Paul wants Timothy (and us) to know the joy of forgiveness and that no one is beyond God’s love and His saving mercy.
Like Paul and Timothy, there is Kingdom work waiting for us. We have all been commissioned to share the love Jesus brought to God’s children. It is the next step after repenting and being forgiven, to make disciples of all the world.
Each of us have different gifts and different locations to share God’s love. We may not be called to far flung places as were the early disciples, but then again, God will send us where we are needed. Let us listen for God’s voice and respond to the assignment we are given with energy and joy.
Gracious God, You have saved us from sin to be raised to eternal life. May we be obedient servants and effective voices in Your world. Amen.