1 Timothy 1:15-17
This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” of whom I am the worst. But I was shown mercy for this reason: that in me, the worst sinner, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his unlimited patience as an example for those who are going to believe in him, resulting in eternal life. Now to the King eternal, to the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You sent your Son into the world to overcome all the world’s sins. If we look honestly at our sins, all of them—especially our thoughts—are very loveless, and we do not deserve love in return. Paul considered himself the worst of sinners, and we are no better than him. Please save us!
Lord, in our lives, we can become very impatient with everything that comes at us. The world, our blunders, and those near us push us to our limits, and we feel like a pressure cooker about to blow.
So often, Jesus’ unlimited patience is hard for us to grasp. Our eternal Savior has forgiven us all our sins; by faith in him, we have salvation and eternal life. Jesus took all the world’s sins to the cross with him so that whoever believes in him is forgiven. Let us never cheapen his death, grace, and mercy by intentionally committing sins and demanding forgiveness.
We humbly ask that you forgive us for Jesus’ sake, not that we deserve it, but according to your love and mercy. Please blot out all our sins and increase our faith; be with us to give us an extra measure of patience as we live in the world and deal with ourselves and those around us.
Let our example of patience and forgiveness be a message of love to those who do not know you yet so that they, too, will learn of Jesus’ forgiveness and patience. Please let them hear of your love and mercy so they will have faith in you and be saved. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Faith begins not in what you do but in realizing who you are—an undeserving sinner who should be condemned. Yet Jesus has forgiven all your sins, and by trusting in him and his patience, know you are forgiven completely. In his forgiveness, you are saved and restored to God.