15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. (1 Thimothy 1:15-16 CSB)
I often think about what loving patience Christ has shown me. In so many ways He has been merciful to one so undeserving as I. Too often I deviated from His path, but He was patient to direct me back.
God allows such free will and we, in truth, cannot be trusted wit it. Sorry, but that is just the hard truth. We do not make good choices. We follow vain ambition and personal pleasure, often more than we follow Christ. We put ourselves first and can go long periods without even looking toward heaven.
To a God who has given us so much, how must it make Him feel?
But like any loving parent he is patient and loves unconditionally. He directs His children back to the path as we are ever the prodigal.
And we take this for granted.
We stray and know that God will take us back. How messed up is that!? It is no way to treat a loving God, it is no way to treat anyone. Yes, we may do so out of ignorance or arrogance, but we do it and should be cognizant of our actions. The world is running headlong into the enemy’s arms, and we as believers must show that we are cut from a different cloth.
