Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. 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 sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Reflection As a parent, I struggle daily to display the utmost patience towards my kids. And almost daily I fail at this struggle. My heart beats fast, my skin gets hot, and snapped words escape towards my two precious boys who are, as Paul writes of himself, acting ignorantly. I like thinking of God as my parent because it brings a warmth and love to our relationship that “God as distant clock maker” does not. I don’t know about you, but it’s important for me to follow a God that sweeps in as a parent overflowing with faith and love. I can trust that God to love me no matter what. Even though I’m not always the parent I strive to be, God is there judging me. Judging me?! Yes, judging me faithful and able to serve. Judging usually has a bad connotation but here, Paul gives thanks for God’s judgement, which is forever merciful. Only my parent God would have love enough to forgive me and keep strengthening me for service again and again. --Isabel Vitale Prayer Thank you, God, for being my parent who loves me unconditionally and shows me endless mercy when I act in ignorant unbelief. Strengthen me and make me an example of your utmost patience, loving my neighbors and acting in their service. Praise be to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen
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