I grew up thinking Jesus came to improve people - to make good people better. But the verse says Christ came to save sinners, and Paul calls himself the foremost sinner. He's not being humble - he's claiming his place in a category: people who need saving.
I've been a Christian for forty years and I still sometimes feel like I have to earn Jesus's attention, like he's disappointed in me. But this verse keeps calling me back: I'm exactly who he came for. Not despite my failures, but for them. The sinner category includes me, always.
That's freed me to actually be honest about my struggles instead of hiding them. I'm not betraying Jesus by needing him - I'm actually stepping into the relationship he came to have.
No comments yet. Be the first.