Listen to the testimony of Paul as he shares from his heart to Timothy, a young man appointed to preach the Gospel. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me in service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:12-14