¹⁶Yet 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.

Mercy there was great and grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied to me. There my burdened soul found liberty—at Calvary.” That classic hymn has staying power because of the truth-power in its lyrics.  NT scholar F.F. Bruce wrote a book on the life of Christ titled “Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free.” That designation aptly reflects the Twitter-sized bio of Timothy’s mentor. He writes not to impress Timothy, nor to give him an example as his teacher. No, this statement comes from the core of his self-identity; this is who he is.

In our contemporary culture, the phrase “This is not who I am” has become a common way to excuse one’s missteps or hurtful comments, which would otherwise be considered reprehensible. The disconnect between how people see themselves and how they act seems quite evident at times. Authenticity is so easily sacrificed at the altar of self-defense. How can people be so blind to this? Could it be a refusal to fully own up to one’s failings? But that is hard in a world where people are so quick to judge and destroy one another at any slight sign of weakness.

The apostle Paul could not fall into the trap because he knew who he was, “the foremost of all” sinners. He did not fear that anyone could point to the worst example of sin in his life: literally persecuting Christians. To be sure, he was fully aware of his sins as a believer (see Romans 7:14–24), which he ends with saying, “Wretched man that I am!” No one could put him on the defense by pointing out his shortcomings. He freely admitted them, and that before anyone else could broadcast them. He was freed of the power of condemnation from other humans. Why? Because he had been freed from the condemnation of the Judge of all the earth.

Paul was not like some people who, when confronted with their sin, own up to it but become incapacitated by their grief and sorrow and their inability to dig their way out of the pit, so to speak. Paul dared to believe in God’s mercy in his life. Further, he saw that his spiritual failure became the breeding ground for God’s demonstration of “perfect patience” to all who also dare to believe in God’s mercy. His freedom did not come from seeing himself as needing less mercy than others. No, it came from seeing himself as a trophy showcasing God’s mercy.

Lord, I want to live an authentic life as Your trophy, showcasing mercy in me.