The apostle Paul writing in his first pastoral letter to his young charge Timothy, who he had left behind in Ephesus to take care of and guide the Ephesian church against false teachers and errors in doctrine, speaks of his gratitude to Christ Jesus for his grace and mercy to him. Paul obviously was able to recall his sins of the past when he was the major persecutor of the body of Christ – the Christian church – UNTIL that great day when Paul is stopped in his tracks on the road to Damascus.
Paul speaks of the undeserved grace and mercy that came to him with his change of life that day – ”The chief of sinners” as he describes himself.
Here is Paul writing to Timothy to encourage him, he speaks to him as a “son” showing the tremendous love and affection he has for him and his concern that he remain faithful & true to the gospel as he has been taught.
Paul speaks of the “endless patience of Christ Jesus” as he, Jesus, dealt with Paul “in order that he might be an example to others who would put their faith in Christ.”
We also, when dealing with our children and families, should also learn to be patient and gentle, always prayerful, always hopeful and ever loving, that as they see our witness they may be reached by the Holy Spirit of God, reminding them of their baptism into the body of Christ and their eternal hope in Him.