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. 1 Tim. 1:15-16
Have you ever thought of yourself as the “worst sinner”, as Paul did in the above Scripture. I know I have. Most of us have a time in our lives that we wish we had listened to that little voice in our head telling us… “Don’t do it!”, but barreled on straight ahead anyway.
Perhaps that time or times, haunts us still as we try to push it from our minds. We go about our lives from day to day with a heaviness on our shoulders, the weight crushing down on our spirits.
We try to slough it off by putting forth a smiling face and forced laughter to the life we pretend is just fine.
For a little while we manage to convince ourselves that all is right in our world. But it always reappears at a time when we least expect it, along with a gloomy cloud that pours accusations upon us in a torrential downpour.
We are drenched in a blanket of depression. Conviction of our wrong doing brings along a feeling of hopelessness that we will not be strong enough to carry these burdens one more day!
This is absolutely true! We are not strong enough, but read further in verse sixteen – “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me Christ Jesus might display His immense patience…”
A glimmer of hope? Yes but much more than just hope, it is a chance at a full pardon! Paul continues… “as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.”
Jesus is the One who has patiently waited for you to hand your burdens over to Him. Listen to that inner voice saying “Do It!” Believe and lighten your load as I did, through a merciful God who longs for you to get to know Him personally.
There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience – ODB