The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Timothy 1:12-16, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

Sometimes people see in us more than we see in ourselves. That’s why the boss for whom you’re working ties you with a responsibility of which you never thought yourself capable. Would you assign the responsibility of composing a commendatory letter for you to someone who had openly stated that he despised you and hated and persecuted those you called “friends”?

That’s exactly what the LORD assigned to Paul. It was an act of God’s love and grace. The LORD saw that Paul simply didn’t know that he was acting in unbelief. Still, it was more than perfect patience on the LORD’s part. He needed someone like Paul to be an example of someone faithful –someone who believed in Christ Jesus for eternal life.

That’s exactly what the LORD Jesus wants from our lives. Like Paul, we are far from deserving the honor of sharing Him. We’re guilty of those very things that Paul listed in his “guilty column.” But, look at the transformation that occurred in Paul’s life! Christ can do that for you as well.

A number of men have done work for me recently. I took the opportunity to share with them my faith in Jesus. Then I wrote the companies for whom they worked and commended their workmanship. It was what I would expect of the Apostle Paul. Moreover, it’s what the LORD expects of all who possess His love and grace. Trust Him yourself; then share Him with others! Be an example of one who knows and loves Him for all He is!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom