*1 Timothy 1:12-16

Devo Fuel: {Grace, Mercy, and Peace}

Recently I started a small group to go through a book called "The measure of a man" by Gen A. Getz. The group I would like to call, bonding with my band of brothers (Jon, Jerry, Pete, and Nick). We are challenging each other to grow spiritually as leaders as well as face our fears in relationship with our significant others. As a suppliment read we are also going through Timothy and Titus which run parallel to what Getz is writing in his book. I'm excited to see how God works through this group and how we come out in the end of our 20 week study.

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief ; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." (1 Tim 1:12-16)

If God were impatient, we would all experience immediate wrath for sin. Imagine living in constant fear of doing something wrong! Fortunately for mankind, His patience is great.

One reason that the Lord shows mercy is because He knows we have a fallen nature. Just as a toddler has to learn obedience, God’s children also must learn to walk in His ways. He takes pleasure in watching us do what is right; therefore, He allows us time and room for mistakes.

Paul appreciated God’s patience. His life demonstrated that because the Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater opportunity for salvation (1 Tim. 1:16).

In Romans 2:4, the apostle affirms that our heavenly Father’s kindness and mercy lead to repentance. But in the following verse, he warns those with stubborn hearts that they will experience judgment and consequence. In other words, the warning is that God’s patience will at some point run out if someone continuously sins against Him.

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel repeatedly experienced this painful truth. The people turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshiping idols. God patiently tolerated their waywardness so that they would return to Him, but eventually, He withdrew His protection until they’d cry out and return to Him.

I have to confess there is sin in my life that I struggle with daily, I am thankful that the Lord is slow to anger. Even though sometimes I try to test the limits of His patience, I know it is wrong.