Saturday September 10th, 2016 1 Timothy 1:12-17
But for that very reason I received mercy? (verse 16)
It can be easy to get annoyed at the antics of a toddler. When I try to get a few minutes of work in on my laptop while praying my son will play quietly with his blocks, things rarely go as planned. Soon my son will be trying to “help” by banging on the keyboard or riffling through my work bag. In these moments, it is easy to be filled with righteous indignation. It is easy to lash out at my son for not doing what I want in that moment.
But usually, if I take a moment to calm myself, I can see he is only seeking my attention. He is wanting his father to interact and engage. When I see that, I also recognize that I need my son’s mercy. And he gives it. A few hugs and cuddles, followed by a storybook together, and mercy is given.
The author of 1 Timothy speaks of that need of mercy. When we are our most self-righteous is often when we need re-orientation and God’s mercy the most.
God of mercy, in our ignorance deal lovingly with us. Let us discover again Christ's mercy for sinners like us. Amen. — EP
Contributed by Finding Mercy When We Need It Most
It can be easy to get annoyed at the antics of a toddler. When I try to get a few minutes of work in on my laptop while praying my son will play quietly with his blocks, things rarely go as planned. Soon my son will be trying to "help" by banging on the keyboard or riffling through my work bag. In these moments, it is easy to be filled with righteous indignation. It is easy to lash out at my son for not doing what I want in that moment.
But usually, if I take a moment to calm myself, I can see he is only seeking my attention. He is wanting his father to interact and engage. When I see that, I also recognize that I need my son's mercy. And he gives it. A few hugs and cuddles, followed by a storybook together, and mercy is given.
The author of 1 Timothy speaks of that need of mercy. When we are our most self-righteous is often when we need re-orientation and God's mercy the most.
