Day 8
1 Timothy 1:12–17 (NET)
I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
One of the hardest—and most humbling—lessons of adulthood is realizing just how sinful we really are. Let me explain…
It’s so easy—comfortable, even socially acceptable—to gripe about your spouse, to yell at other drivers, to roll your eyes at folks in line, to huff at someone else’s incompetence or inefficiency. This isn’t just a personality quirk; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has overflowed into the church. I know first-hand how easily I slip into this myself.
It’s all about focus. “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.” When we look at others through the lens of annoyance or irritation, we will find it everywhere. We walk around on hair triggers, living on the edge of an emotional outburst. It might feel normal—but step back and really look at it. It’s exhausting.
When we’re honest with ourselves about our own propensity to sin—our own flaws, our own silly rebellion—we take the first step toward extending grace to others. This is where Paul takes us in 1 Timothy 1. He doesn’t minimize his sin or excuse it. He owns it. But he doesn’t stay there either. To dwell too long in self-condemnation is just another form of self-centeredness.
Paul’s focus quickly shifts to something better—the abundant mercy, forgiveness, and grace poured out on him through Jesus. And this is where life and freedom are found. When we truly recognize how much we’ve been forgiven, gratitude begins to replace irritation. From that place, grace toward others isn’t something we muster—it’s the overflow of the Spirit at work within us.
But that realization doesn’t last long. Take a short drive through town and the world will use up your personal supply of grace pretty quickly. I think this is a big reason Scripture tells us to confess our sins to each other and to spend time daily with Jesus. God knows our tanks are small. We need constant reminders of the heavenly abundance that has been poured out on our undeserving selves.
This posture puts us back where we belong—relieved of the burden of monitoring or judging the behavior of others. It’s a posture that receives from Jesus all the abundance He gives so freely. And out of His abundance, we extend grace to the world around us.
Jesus says it this way in Matthew 11:29–30:
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… and you will find rest for your souls.”
It’s so easy—comfortable, even socially acceptable—to gripe about your spouse, to yell at other drivers, to roll your eyes at folks in line, to huff at someone else’s incompetence or inefficiency. This isn’t just a personality quirk; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has overflowed into the church. I know first-hand how easily I slip into this myself.
It’s all about focus. “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.” When we look at others through the lens of annoyance or irritation, we will find it everywhere. We walk around on hair triggers, living on the edge of an emotional outburst. It might feel normal—but step back and really look at it. It’s exhausting.
When we’re honest with ourselves about our own propensity to sin—our own flaws, our own silly rebellion—we take the first step toward extending grace to others. This is where Paul takes us in 1 Timothy 1. He doesn’t minimize his sin or excuse it. He owns it. But he doesn’t stay there either. To dwell too long in self-condemnation is just another form of self-centeredness.
Paul’s focus quickly shifts to something better—the abundant mercy, forgiveness, and grace poured out on him through Jesus. And this is where life and freedom are found. When we truly recognize how much we’ve been forgiven, gratitude begins to replace irritation. From that place, grace toward others isn’t something we muster—it’s the overflow of the Spirit at work within us.
But that realization doesn’t last long. Take a short drive through town and the world will use up your personal supply of grace pretty quickly. I think this is a big reason Scripture tells us to confess our sins to each other and to spend time daily with Jesus. God knows our tanks are small. We need constant reminders of the heavenly abundance that has been poured out on our undeserving selves.
This posture puts us back where we belong—relieved of the burden of monitoring or judging the behavior of others. It’s a posture that receives from Jesus all the abundance He gives so freely. And out of His abundance, we extend grace to the world around us.
Jesus says it this way in Matthew 11:29–30:
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Prayer Focus for today:
Take a moment to sit with Jesus. Pay attention to the mercy He’s shown you. Let His grace—not your shortcomings—hold your focus. Receive from His abundance today. As you do, release the weight of judging others. Take His yoke. Rest in the grace He gives so freely.
Take a moment to sit with Jesus. Pay attention to the mercy He’s shown you. Let His grace—not your shortcomings—hold your focus. Receive from His abundance today. As you do, release the weight of judging others. Take His yoke. Rest in the grace He gives so freely.
Posted in Month of Prayer 2026
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