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The Goodness Of Our Shepherd

This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

How good is Jesus as “the Good Shepherd?” The life of the Apostle Paul provides insight to the answer of that question. Paul identified himself as the “chief” of sinners. Knowing that Paul would eventually be used as a great instrument for the Gospel, God suffered while Paul denied Him and persecuted His people. God restrained the judgment and wrath that Paul deserved, expressing great mercy, since Paul spent a good portion of his life leading people astray. God did not condemn Paul. God forgave and saved Paul from his sin, engaging him as one of history’s greatest men of faith. That’s how good God was to Paul, and is to us!