“God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)
Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Once a persecutor and murderer, he became an evangelist who planted churches, endured persecution, and wrote much of the New Testament. If Paul can be transformed by mercy, anyone in our lives can be saved by grace.
But salvation isn’t the end goal—it’s the beginning. God doesn’t just want us rescued; He wants our lives to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. Paul warned Timothy about people who got lost in meaningless discussions, wanting to appear righteous or knowledgeable while missing the heart of the gospel.
The law is good when used correctly, but it was never meant to showcase how good we are. Instead, it reveals our desperate need for a Savior. Righteousness doesn’t come by following rules—it comes through Christ’s blood shed for us.
If God could redeem Paul, He can redeem the people you’ve written off as “too far gone.” Your transformed life may be the very evidence that draws them to Jesus. Let your story highlight His mercy so others can believe and live.