Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:19 "although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."Observation: The mercy of God came because Paul was ignorant and unbelieving. I think that's a claim that every person in the world should make.
Application: How hard is it for me to be frank and call myself ignorant? Those are "fightin' words" in America. But if the mercy of God is poured out it is because of my former and present ignorance. Romans 3:25 says a similar thing: 'whom [Jesus] God set forth as a propitiation by His blood [what a heavy cost for my ignorance!], through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed." God has and is overlooking our offenses because of His mercy and He can do it because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. I will choose to call me like I was/am - not as smart as I thought/think I am. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." If forgiveness comes in that way, so be it.
Prayer: God, in my mind may You be true and every man a liar. I stand identified with Psalm 5:3: "that You may be found just when You speak and blameless when You judge." I love You. Amen.
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