1 Timothy 1:12-17, 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. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in m e, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Like St. Paul, we were all once unbelievers. Once, we were all pagans. Therefore, we all should look upon today’s unbelievers and pagans not with haughtiness and self-righteousness, but with mercy and pity; for we were once like them, dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).
All God’s children have received God’s mercy through Christ our Lord, which was undeserved and unmerited. Pride has no place in the Christian heart, therefore; but only meekness and humility. Like Paul, we were once blasphemers. When a king is blasphemed and rebelled against, he has every prerogative to slam his hammer of Law and punishment. Instead, God our King decided to show mercy.
Instead of destroying us because we rebelled against the King, He chose to save us. He is patient with every sinner, even the “worst” ones, for He was patient with a murderer named Paul. Christ our King forgives without payment, for He already paid it in full with His holy blood. All glory and honour be to Him forever and ever. Amen.
The Lutheran Column 