Thank You Jesus for the exceedingly abundant grace, faith, and love You have given me.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:14, NKJV- “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s writings bless me, and I too feel the overwhelming gratitude he is expressing to Timothy. To think that Jesus loves me and trusts me enough to grant me His exceedingly abundant grace, faith, and love make me exceedingly abundantly grateful.

However, I do find myself arguing with Paul every time I read 1 Timothy 1:15. I tell Paul that there is no way that he could be the chief of all sinners because he obviously never met me. Then I am reminded that Paul’s writings, and mine, are not about us but about Jesus Christ our Lord. His grace, faith, and love have been given to us regardless of who we are.

You, me, and all people have access to Jesus. Even though redundant, exceedingly abundant, still does not cover the grace, faith, and love that Jesus came and died to give us. Plain and simple, I am a sinner. I also welcome the exceedingly abundant grace of Jesus Christ. This much grace is needed for me and most likely you too, right?

Nothing stands between us and God’s love as He sent Jesus to show and prove it to Paul and us. Certainly, Jesus, You meant this ministry for someone else, right? No, He has called us into our own ministry of sharing His grace, faith, and love. Without our sins, we would not be as grateful. Just yesterday I was reading in Luke 7:38 where the lady came into the house of the Pharisee and began washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, hair, and perfume. I feel these tears of thanksgiving and appreciation of Jesus.

The Pharisees judged her and Jesus. This judgement still goes on today. We can dismiss the judgment of mere humans and live in the gratitude and exceedingly abundant thanksgivings we have because we know what we have been forgiven of. For those who have been forgiven much the more love and forgiveness we know and should grant to others.

Paul let Timothy and us know in 1 Timothy 1:12 that we can be abundantly thankful to Jesus for being our Lord, for enabling us, for counting us faithful, and for putting us into His ministry. Because of our sins we can be exceedingly thankful and exceedingly equipped for ministry. May we not author confusion out of our lack of understanding of Jesus’ love and fall back on our misunderstandings of the law.

If our goal, as stated in 1 Timothy 1:5, is to share Jesus’ love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith we should do it. With our tears of gratitude, we can wash the feet of Jesus and serve him and others. Are you thankful for the exceedingly abundant grace, faith, and love you have received from God?

Today’s Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for the exceedingly abundant grace, faith, and love You have given to me through Jesus Christ our Lord. I am exceedingly and abundantly thankful dear LORD for Your love. Thank You for enabling us, for counting us faithful, and for putting us into Your ministry. Use us LORD to encourage all others to welcome Your love and to fulfill our ministries in Your grace. Use us and our sins to bring us to the feet of Jesus. LORD, please know our love and thanksgivings for You and Your Son Jesus Christ. Use us to glorify You today. Amen.