August 06, 2026 | Be Connected
Christ's Immense Patience
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15-17(NIV)
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Devotional
In our scripture verses for today, Paul makes a point to emphasize his statement by prefacing it with “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.” My Bible footnotes explain that this is a clause found nowhere else in the New Testament but is used five times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. 1:15, 3:1, 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; and Titus 3:8). These Pastoral verses are called the “Five Faithful Sayings.” By announcing the sayings with this phrase, Paul gives special emphasis to key concepts to help believers remember some of the most important basics of our faith.
Here is the first trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” He goes on to say that the very reason he was shown this mercy is because if Jesus could have mercy on him, the worst sinner, then he could have mercy on you or me. This was an extreme example of Christ’s patience. If Jesus had enough mercy for Paul, who persecuted the church and had Christians executed, then anyone could be shown mercy.
Some people think they don’t need a savior because they view themselves as a good person. But Paul makes it abundantly clear that NO ONE is good enough. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). It’s a central Christian doctrine that every human being, regardless of status or background, is guilty of sin and cannot ever reach the perfection and holiness God requires on their own. One of the most basic things that connects us is our need for a Savior and our gathering as a body to acknowledge that need and pray for each other. (James 5:16)
That’s why Paul emphasizes the phrase and calls it a trustworthy saying— that Christ’s purpose is to save sinners. And I can agree with Paul that sometimes I feel like the worst sinner! Jesus is incredibly patient with us. He forgives us again and again and never gets tired of hearing our pleas for mercy (Matthew 18:21-22). Peter thought he was being generous to ask Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother. Peter offers this mind-blowing number as a teaser: “seven”? Jesus’ response: “SEVENTY SEVEN!” That’s a lot, but who’s counting? And that’s the point. We don’t count. We shouldn’t keep score.
Who do you need to forgive? If you feel like you’ve already done that and they keep coming back with more, don’t give it a second thought. Be generous like Jesus.
