1 Timothy 1:12-17

“But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” vss. 13c-14

It seems strange in a world dominated by technology and science, with boundless information at our fingertips, that ignorance could flourish. But it does, and it isn’t limited to the uneducated and the poor. In fact, it seems that those at the top of our political food chains are particularly ignorant and operate in blissful unawareness of their raw stupidity. (Something readily apparent in every new election cycle!) It’s also true that ignorance is much easier for us to spot in others and is virtually impossible to see in ourselves. But sometimes, as happened with the Apostle Paul, there’s an explosion of light and insight and our eyes are opened to our own destructive ways. In those moments we are embarrassed and shamed by our ignorance, the pure selfishness that has dominated our decisions and deeds, and we yearn for change. And the good news is that none of us are beyond hope. Paul saw himself as the chief of sinners and he marveled that God was using him to bring love to the world. Grace overflowed for him, as it does for us as we grow in a love-centered faith that comes straight from the Spirit of God.

Thought for the Day: How can I know if I am ignorant or enlightened?