1 Timothy 1:12-17 (WEB)
12 I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;
13 although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

GOD who created the heavens and the earth is merciful and it does not change or end.
“Psalms 118:1 (BBE) O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.”

In human terms there was no hope for Paul he deserves the same what he did to the believers. Who would forgive him for what he did to the church? Paul did it, he did in ignorance, not understanding what we were doing, he did not know any better. Humanity would say that it is unfair, that he deserves to be punished. But

“James 2:13 (WEB) For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”.

If GOD were not merciful no one would escape His judgment for we all have failed his standard of requirements. That is why in 1 Timothy 1:8-10 we can see that the law was made for the transgressor.

The LORD has His reasons to show mercy and in verses 16 to 17 we can see two of them.

1. It was for GOD’s glory and
2. To display His character that others might also believe and put their trust in Jesus Christ.

“If GOD had mercy on Paul, He will have mercy on me”!

Let us therefore be encouraged, as followers of Jesus Christ, to reflect Christ’s mercy.
On the cross Jesus said in Luke 23:34 “(WEB) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.”

In Luke 10:25-37 In the “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” We can see that the LORD wants us to be merciful.
“Luke 10:37 (WEB) He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.””

We have obtained mercy from the LORD, so who are we to withhold it?
Jesus draws a striking example in the “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ” found in Matthew 18:21-35.

Let us all thank, glorify and honour Jesus Christ, for He is eternal, immortal, invisible, wise and full of mercy and He came to save us by His grace, through faith, despite of our sins.

If you want to know more about and experience GOD’s mercy …., have a look at resources  especially at “WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED” link and feel free to contact us using the contact information here.