"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Of these I am the foremost.
But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life." (1 Timothy 1: 16 - 17).
Paul regarded himself as an example of a great sinner. Why then did Jesus chose for such a lofty mission and place in His Kingdom? Precisely because of the marked weakness of St Paul. We are rightly encouraged to believe that if Jesus wiped out the sins of Paul and filled him with grace and mercy, He will do the same for us.
Other examples of great sinners who were restored and filled with grace and mercy:
King David, St Augustine, St Mary Magdalene.
"God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners." (Søren Kierkegaard).
St Ignatius of Loyola who was no stranger to sin and repentance said that it is impossible to recognize our sins unless we can perceive inwardly that the Redeemer is standing very close to us to embrace us.
The Miserere (Psalm 51)is God's inspired Prayer-Psalm for the sinner. I have used it often and I guarantee that it is effective.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2: 8).
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