Many people can feel so guilt-ridden by their past that they think God could never forgive them, accept them, and use them.
But when we consider the Apostle Paul’s past, we realize that he had scoffed at the teachings of Jesus(a blasphemer) and hunted down and murdered God’s people (a persecutor and a violent man) before coming to faith in Christ.
He never forgot the man he had been, but he always remembered the man he was now! He never ceased to thank Christ Jesus for his salvation.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, 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.” 1 Timothy 1:13-14.
God forgave Paul and used Paul mightily for His kingdom, and God can forgive and use each of us today, no matter what is in our past.
We can be confident that Christ will help our faith and love grow as our relationship with Him deepens.
“Jesus said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ “ 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane