Remembering Sin and Grace

Today's First Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Timothy (1 Tim 1:1-2.12-14)

One of the things that stand out in this passage is Paul's insistence on remembering his own sin – “I was a blasphemer, and I did all I could to injure and discredit the faith.” Paul recognized and remembered that he was a cruel persecutor of the Christians. He was not content in talking against them; he was actively engaged in pursuing them, and meeting them with violence. Paul regarded himself as the chief of sinners. True, he could never forget that he was forgiven; but neither could he ever forget that he was a sinner. Why should he remember his sin with such vividness?

Should not Paul just move on? Should not Paul just bask in the triumph over sin? Should not Paul just glory in grace? William Barclay proposes these reasons for Paul's mindfulness of his sin.

1) The memory of his sin was the surest way to keep him from pride. It does a man good to remember his sins; it saves him from spiritual pride.

2) The memory of his sin was the surest way to keep his gratitude aflame. To remember what he had been forgiven is the surest way to keep awake his love to Jesus Christ, to keep awake the flame of gratitude within his heart.

3) The memory of his sin was the constant urge to greater effort. When he remembered how much God loves him and how little he deserved it, when he remembered that it was for him that Jesus Christ hung and suffered on Calvary, it compelled him to effort that will tell God he realizes what he has done for him and will show Jesus Christ that his sacrifice was not in vain.

4) The memory of his sin was bound to be a constant encouragement to others. It was not that he brooded unhealthily over his sin; it was that he remembered it to rejoice in the wonder of the grace of Jesus Christ.

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 1:14)