We are familiar with the story of Paul who was once one of the leading persecutors of Christians. Having experienced Jesus, he turned his life around and became one of the fiercest defenders of Christianity.
I chose this passage because of its message for us. I sometimes think that people who have lived a life that was not in accord with the commandments feel that their sins are so serious that God cannot forgive them.
This passage is trying to tell all of us that there is no sin or sinner that cannot be forgiven. God never gives up on us and he wants us never to give up on him or on ourselves. There is time to change and repent right up until the last moment of our lives.
Paul claims that God's mercy was granted him because of his ignorance. It can be very hard to convince some people that sin cannot be committed in retrospect.
Just as if we are driving along ten miles over the speed limit, we might get a ticket, but if we didn't know what the speed limit what was, it's not a sin.
Until we know God and his goodness, and learn what is expected of his followers, we can't sin. We can do evil, sinful things, but sin can only happen once we know God and how he wants us to live. Once we realize that what we are doing is sinful, but we continue to do it, then we sin.
God will forgive us when we repent and are sorry, but at times it can be harder to forgive ourselves. I once heard a minister say, "Are you better than God? If God can forgive you, how can you not forgive yourself?"
If you are hanging onto guilt, turn it over to the Father, who forgives you, and then allow yourself to live in his light.
