By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in 1 Timothy chapter 1:
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
We were all of a sinful nature prior to our salvation in Christ and we walked in ignorance and blindness to FATHER’S Word. However by HIS grace and mercy HE has wiped away our sins and made us a new creation. By Jesus accepting and taking on our sins thus becoming the sin offering by His blood, we have been made pure and whole IN HIM. We must no longer be uninformed of our inheritance IN CHRIST.
Paul called himself the chief sinner referring to his past. We all can relate with a past which was less than righteous thus we should be equally grateful for our salvation. One thing we should not do is remain ignorant and assume we have arrived at the fullness of Christ. Salvation was not the final destination but the beginning of a new journey toward the full understanding of being a vessel of honor on behalf of Our Heavenly Father. We are to walk in the same footsteps of Christ and give of ourselves fully motivated by Agape Love.
Yes there will be times of longsuffering for there are some who wish to remain ignorant as we minister in their midst but we must not be dismayed but continue in our walk. FATHER changes not and thus if there is a problem in our life we must look in the mirror. We must ask FATHER to reveal what needs changed in us. As we do this HE will reveal what is hidden inside of us in order that it can be dealt with in proper fashion.
Wisdom wrote in Proverbs chapter 16:
18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Pride in this sense is preoccupation with self. On the other hand Love is being “preoccupied” with the best interest of others. We must consider others and the impact we have on them. Let us not be stumbling blocks to their growth in Christ. The stronger must minister to the weaker. Let us not be puffed up in our knowledge and use it to belittle those who are ignorant of FATHER’S Word. Instead, let us lovingly minister life when given the opportunity. Sometimes, saying nothing may be the best position to take until that person is ready to hear instruction. Let us continue to study THY Word to show ourselves approved but moreover let us hear HIS Voice which will be an appropriate Word for us today.