The testimony of a sinner

1 Timothy, 1: 12~14

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

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent men, 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 Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness and Thanksgiving

Paul was a person that always persecuted and humiliated Christian before he accepts Jesus. Why did he do so? He is loyal to God, and he didn't think that Jesus is Messiah. He thought Jesus is only a fake prophet. He was proud who thought that he really understands Father God. So, he didn't believe that Jesus comes from Father God. And he thought that the Christian have betrayed God. Therefore, he went to the high priest and asked him for letters so that he might take Christian as prisoners to Jerusalem. He did commit so much sin to persecute Christians.

But then, God still chose him as His apostle. God showed to him in his journey to Damascus in the form of light. At that moment, Paul knew that the light is from God. He just confused that why the God pointed to him and said, "Why do you persecute me?". (Because at that time, he did not know Jesus come from God. ) So, Paul asked, "Who are you?". He must be surprised when the God told him that He is Jesus.

It was irony. Paul thought he is so godly and so he persecuted those people whom he think they have betrayed God, but finally he found out that the one whom he used to persecute is actually his God! Paul must be regret. Perhaps his heart was bleeding when he knew the truth.

However, he was shown mercy. God have forgiven him and Paul does appreciate God's forgiveness very much. He thanks God very much. He used the rest of his life to evangelize. He did not stop even though he was taken as a prisoner. He dedicated himself to Jesus once he knows that Jesus comes from Father God. Why? This is because he really appreciates the awesome grace from God. All things that we possess come from God. Today, we are Christians, because God have chosen us to receive this invaluable gift...Ya, Knowing Jesus is the gift.

In conclusion, there are some questions for you.

1. Are you loyal to God?

2. Are you a sinner?

3. Do you thank God for everything you possess now? (your life, your time, your family, your job...so on)

4. Are you willing to change your bad habits, so that you might have a good testimony as well?

5. Did you ask for forgiveness when you realize that you have done a mistake?

6. What will you do after asking for forgiveness? Avoid yourself from committing the mistake again, or just do nothing and easily fall into Satan's trap again?