"Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst, but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the worst, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who where to believe in him for eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1:15-16
I wonder how much more the Gospel would be heard and received if we presented it much more like Paul does in Timothy. What if our communication of the gospel began with and continued with the strong understanding that I am the worst of sinners instead of YOU are the worst of sinners.
We are so quick to assume certain sins are worse than our very own. We are quick to label others' sins as 'abominations' while overlooking the long list of abominations listed in scripture, on which I find myself plenty of times.
Perhaps of all Paul's communication of the Gospel, these two verses are the most clear and possibly most received.
