I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—1 Timothy 1:12-17

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Sinner
By Jennifer Kane

Sinner.
A person who sins.
Sin —
An offense against religious or moral law.
A transgression of the law of God.
A breach.
A crime.
A debt.
An error.
Lawbreaking.
Misdeed.
Offense.
Trespass.
Violation.
Wrongdoing.

To sin —
To err.
To fall.
To offend.
To stray.
To wander from the truth.

Forgive me, for I have sinned.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

All have sinned.
There is none righteous—
not even one.

We are all in the pit:
Some stand ankle-deep in the mire,
others sink to the neck,
and some lie buried completely,
lost beneath the weight of their own chains.

But Jesus Christ—
His arm is not too short to save.
His hand is clean and righteous,
stained with striking and vivid bloodstains.

(‘Don’t be afraid’, He says. ‘It’s My blood, not yours.’)

And He reaches down—
past the ankle-deep,
past the drowning,
past the ones swallowed by shame—
and He pulls us up.

Not because we could climb out on our own.
Not because we were worthy.
But because mercy is His nature.
Grace is His gift.
And love… is the reason He came.

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Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul never forgot where he came from. He wasn’t afraid to use the word sinner—not as a weapon against others, but as a humble confession about himself. He could remember clearly the days when he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. Yet that memory was not a source of shame—it was a testimony of God’s rescue.

We live in a time when the word sinner can feel heavy or even offensive, as if it’s a label to be avoided. But Paul teaches us that the truth is freeing. We cannot fully appreciate grace without acknowledging our need for it. Calling ourselves sinners is not about wallowing in guilt—it’s about being honest about our condition before Christ, so we can fully rejoice in His salvation.

Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” This is not self-loathing—it’s gratitude. It’s a recognition that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Paul was living proof that the worst offender can be transformed into a servant of the gospel.

If God could save Paul, He can save you. He can save your family. He can save your friend who seems too far gone. There is no pit too deep for His arm to reach. There is no sin too dark for His grace to cover. There is no sinner beyond the hope of the cross.

Be honest about your need for grace. Don’t avoid the word sinner—let it remind you of the miracle of your salvation.

Remember your rescue story. Like Paul, share where God brought you from—not to glorify the past, but to magnify His mercy.

Pray for those who seem “too far gone.” The same grace that rescued Paul is still active and powerful today.

~~~~~

Father God, I thank You for Your strength and faithfulness. You saw me at my worst and loved me still. You called me out of darkness and into Your service. Help me never to forget the depth of Your mercy and the greatness of Your patience toward me. Give me boldness to share my story so others will know that no one is beyond Your reach. To You be all honor and glory forever. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray, amen.

August 5 2025