Nothing can compare to the love of God

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, 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. 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 1:12-16

The Apostle Paul expressed how grateful he was that because of his faith in Christ he was forgiven of his sins. Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit he responded by faith and received the grace that God provides and now he could serve him. God trusted him by giving him the opportunity to tell others about God’s mercy. It is by having faith in God that we realize what truth is. Because of the confidence in the truth revealed through Christ, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel that freed him from sin. Once you believe in Christ by faith, you will share with Paul’s confidence that God is able. God desires that we grow in our relationship with Him and as we do the more we experience His power that works through us. This power is what strengthen us to be assured that no matter how difficult life could be we will not give up. This is the same assurance that motivated Paul to remain faithful even when he was imprisoned. This is also the faith that kept the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 hopeful of the future that God prepares for those who entrusted their lives to Him. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is what made the followers of Christ remained in their resolve to serve God. This determination earned them respect from others. “Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation” (Hebrews 11:2). When you have faith in God, you will have the confidence that God will keep His promises in His word. It is your faith in Him that will sustain you that no matter what you go through in life, you know how that in the end God’s plan will prevail. “But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). It is impossible to come to God and be drawn to His love without placing your faith in Him. “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Do you believe the claim of God? Do you have faith in Him that what He promised in His word He will fulfill? There is no substitute you can find that will satisfy the needs of your life. “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:6-69).

Blessings,