14TH DECEMBER
1 Timothy 1:12-15
“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.”
Part of God’s purpose in saving you was to put you on display for others who need his grace!
Do you sometimes look at the actions of others and think to yourself “I would never behave the way they do,” or say to yourself “I would never talk like that”? Or conversely do you sometimes look at other believers and think “I could never do what they do” or say to yourself “I could never be as good as they are”? In either case, if you do, you have an unhealthy view of the gospel.
Today God wants you to realise that you have been saved by his grace and by his mercy he has given you a story of his grace in your life to share with others, not to keep to yourself. The gospel says that you are a sinner saved by his grace. End of story! You have no need to compare yourself to anyone else. You are no better or worse than any other. Where unbelievers are, is where you used to be. You have received God’s mercy; he is patient with you so that you may be patient with those who don’t yet know him. God doesn’t want you to judge others but be willing to journey with them towards faith in Jesus Christ.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Who has God sent into your life that you compare yourself to? Ask for God’s forgiveness, thank him for his mercy. What are some steps you can take today to stop comparing yourself to them.