WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US — I JOHN 4:19
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVE US— I JOHN 4:19
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. —I Timothy 1:12-16
Paul saw himself as the foremost or chief of all sinners. He has a proper perspective on himself and we need to as well. Our sin before a holy and perfect God is utter wickedness and we each need to acknowledge that fact about ourselves. With Paul we can—
- Thank our Lord for strength He has given us
- Thank our Lord for judging us faithful
- Thank our Lord for appointing us to His service
- Understand we were once a blasphemer
- Understand we were once a persecutor
- Understand we were once an insolent opponent
- Understand we have received mercy
- Understand we acted in ignorance
- Understand we acted in unbelief
- Know the overflowing grace of our Lord
- Know the faith and love that are in Jesus
- Know and accept that Jesus came to save sinners
- Know that we are all sinners
- Know the perfect patience Jesus has with Paul
- Know he was an example to those who would believe in Jesus for eternal life
Having a proper perspective on ourselves helps us understand more and more the grace (getting what we do not deserve —glorious riches in Christ) and mercy (not getting what we do deserve — hell) that has been given to us by faith in Jesus. Wow! I am eternally thankful, Dear Father, knowing you are “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to (Your) power that is at work within us.” Oh, may I yield to Your desires by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, so may it be and all for Your honor and glory! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxTOsQ3LDE4