The Lord's Grace to Paul

1 Timothy 1:12-16 says,

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me to his service. 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. 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."

I came across this verse again tonight in my Bible study and I was reminded of the power our testimony's have. I was reminded of the great grace that has been shown to each of us and how Christ came into the world to save each and every one of us. To be honest, I feel much like Paul here when he said, "of whom I am the worst." Sin is sin in God's eyes and no matter how big or small, we're all deserving of death, and to commit a sin that God finds abominable is hard. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us which sins God finds abominable, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

Abortion is the shedding of innocent blood. It's murder through and through. In this aspect, I can relate to Paul when he writes he is the worst of sinners, and just like Paul's story of redemption, I too was shown mercy. And I believe that the Lord has called me to His service, so that others, those who are also the worst of sinners, Jesus' power would be on full display in their lives as well and receive eternal life. It's beautiful the power testimony has, how it can show us God is truly a God of grace. He's a God of redemption. He's a God of restoration and He's a God of freedom. The Lord has called each of us into His service, and each in different ways. We should not shy away from the calling God has placed in our hearts.

The Lord came to save sinners so that through our broken lives, that Christ has saved, others would receive that same salvation. When we boldly step into God's grace the chains of shame are broken and we can more fully display God's grace in our lives. What freedom that has been offered to us through the cross.