I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17, NIV

Recently, I overheard a group of teachers laughing and reminiscing about a fellow educator who was once a “terrible student” and now serves as the new curriculum chairman of his alma mater. They recalled his school days filled with mischief, bad grades, and constant trouble. One had even taught him, and their stories were told with wide smiles and headshakes. Every tale ended the same way: “But look at him now!” or “Who would have thought…”

Later that day, I met this man. I joked, “I feel like I already know you.” 

He laughed and said, “I was worse than they described.” 

I asked him plainly, “What changed?” 

His answer was powerful: “I remember what I was like back then.”

He shared how, as a child, he wore labels like failure and troublemaker. He remembered the fear of asking for help and the loneliness of being misunderstood. At 22, he moved away to escape his past, trying to reinvent himself. But the real change came when he realized he couldn’t remake himself; only God could restore him.

Now, his past gives him the ability to see and serve struggling students with compassion because he’s been in their shoes.

This story is a reflection of the Gospel. Like the Apostle Paul, who called himself “the worst of all sinners,” we were all lost until Christ found us. Our transformation isn’t because of anything we did. It’s entirely through God’s grace. We aren’t saved by our good behavior but by His mercy (see Ephesians 2:8–9). Judgment should never be on our lips, only the sweet story of justification that was given to us when we surrendered our lives to Christ.

Does Satan ever try to convince you that you are the worst? Do you struggle with accepting forgiveness or forgiving yourself? What makes it hard to overcome? How can this impact your classroom? How can this affect your life?

Educators, don’t hide your past. Let it become your platform. The worst students can become the best teachers. The worst sinners can become the boldest witnesses.

Father, thank You that Your grace isn’t based on what we’ve done, but on who You are. Thank You for restoring what we thought was too broken. Help me to remember where You brought me from, not to dwell in shame, but to walk in compassion. Use my past to minister to others, especially those who feel too far gone. Make me a vessel of Your patience, power, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.  

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.