October 19, 2022

Paulina De La Fuente
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:22-24
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15-16

The Apostle Paul is the author of these verses and displays incredible humility as well as a steady confidence in God. If you’re like me, it can be easier to accept that “all have sinned and fall short” and even echoing Paul’s words saying that “I am the worst [of sinners],” more than accepting God’s grace “freely.” However, it takes really living out the same humility and confidence as Paul in order to fully accept God’s redemption in and for us. Pride can keep us from experiencing and displaying God’s immense patience in our lives as an example for others.

When people look at our lives, do we let them see our shortcomings and the patience God has shown in order to pursue and love us the way He does unconditionally? Romans 3 reveals clearly that there is no difference among us, any change in us has come as a free gift from God through Jesus’ sacrifice. For that reason, we can be totally convinced that God is able and willing to reach any & everyone! Regardless of what we see on the outside, God is able to bring even “the worst of sinners” (beginning with me) to Himself. How can God use you as an example to others of all He is capable of?