I am the worst of them

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 (NIVUK)

Which character do you relate to most when you watch a movie: The good guy or the bad guy? When I was younger I always liked to think of myself as the good guy. And if I knew I wasn’t that good, I at least wanted to be like the good guy. Now that I’m a bit more advanced in my years and experience of people, I must admit, I often get why the bad guy is … well … bad. Nowadays I can understand why the antagonist becomes agonisingly antagonising.
 
Even when I read the Bible I can often relate better to the bad guys in most of the stories - Pontius Pilate avoiding making decisions (Matthew 27:24), Peter denying Jesus (Luke 22:54-62), David trying to sweep misdeeds under the rug (2 Samuel 11), Moses with a bad temper (Numbers 20:1-13), etc.
 
But luckily I’m in good company. Paul writes in his letter to Timothy that he is “the worst of sinners.” But, more importantly, Paul goes on that it’s not at all about how good or bad we are, but that it is all about Jesus and what he did to bring us back into the fold. He is patient. He is kind. He is loving. He is caring, merciful and forgiving.
 
He is also righteous and just, which is why he had to take the punishment of our sin in our stead.
 
I like the way Roy Lessin puts it - If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour.
 
May we recognise our own need for a Saviour and turn to the One who can save.
 
A prayer - Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrificial love. Thank you for welcoming us, however good or bad we are. Show me the things I need to change, that my life will reflect your unending and transforming love. Amen.
 
Photo by Sue Carroll on Unsplash