Silentium

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul always greeted with ‘grace and peace’  – except in his letters to Timothy where he adds mercy. Why?

Later in the chapter he explains that he was shown mercy to demonstrate to other the patience of God.

So often I view God’s personal working as for my benefit – both for my personal growth and so that I would see more of his glory. But God does not intend that. His activity in our lives is intended to testify to all who believe and will believe. He works toward and in us as the Body, as well. Timothy’s church, it seemed, needed to see that God was indeed merciful.