“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
These are the words of the Apostle Paul, and we know from Scripture that he did indeed do some truly horrible things before Jesus entered his life. But what I want you to understand is that Paul was living in a time of complete depravity, under the authority of an emperor who was truly insane. And yet he still thought his sin was the worst. He was right. Just as my sin is the worst, and so is yours. All sin is created equal, just as all sinners are created equal. The act itself may seem minor, or truly horrible, but it is the decision behind that act that matters to Jesus.
When a person sins, he or she CHOSE to sin. Jesus doesn’t love that person any less, but He does hate the sin. That is why He came to earth and gave His life to save all of us from the consequences of our sin. He didn’t come just to save the murderers, the drug addicts, and the thieves who have repented. He also came to save the boy who stole a candy bar, the girl who talked back to her mother, and the person in church who judged another. Sin is sin. Without Jesus, the person who judged another is just as guilty and damned as the person who killed another. Luckily, we also know that JESUS is LOVE and SALVATION.
We should each be amazed by the LOVE and GRACE of our Lord every day! He came to wash our sins away and make us whole and new! We are a little over a week out from Easter now, and I would like to take a moment to encourage you to spend some time thinking about what Jesus has done for you, and then think about how you are passing that Love on to everyone around you.
Take these thoughts to heart as we approach the day of Jesus’ great sacrifice and His miraculous resurrection.
- As I celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, I recognize His MIRACLES in my own life!
- Rebirth and renewal ignite new HOPE in my life!
- The JOY of Jesus’ miracles lives in my heart today!
- God’s LOVE flows through my body and soul each and every moment all day long!
- Jesus is my ROCK!
- God is ALWAYS there for me!
Today, acknowledge that ALL sin is the enemy of our Savior, but He has already won the battle! Never cease believing in miracles, both great and small. Remember to see them around you and in your life today and every day. And don’t forget to share those miracles with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!
