To those of us who feel that we can join with the apostle Paul in classifying ourselves as "the chief of sinners" the above words almost seem like an understatement. It is very distressing to me to think of the many times I have in one way or another violated God's holy and perfect law. And when we consider our own frailty and the wretchedness of human nature we are made to wonder how anyone could think that they do not daily transgress. In many things we all offend (See James 3:2), and "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8). All of us have sinned, (both by commission and omission) and we daily repeat the process (probably in many particulars) and yet the Lord's merciful kindness continues toward us. How great indeed is that kindness! 

    There are multitudes in the world who do not consider themselves to be great sinners, and some who do not view themselves as sinners at all. How then could they possibly feel that God ever shows them any merciful kindness. What would be the point in showing merciful kindness to those who never sinned---much less great merciful kindness? Only great sinners feel to need great mercy from the Lord, and only great sinners are able to view Him as a great Saviour. 

    Morally speaking the apostle Paul was as good a man as could have been found, both before and after his conversion. Yet after the light of the Spirit showed him what he was by nature, from that day forth he recognized the fact that he was a "wretched man" (Romans 7:24) and that deliverance from his sinful state could only come from God "through Jesus Christ" his Lord and Saviour. He knew it could not be by his own works, because he understood that no amount of human merit and creature righteousness could ever overcome, or compensate for, the awful debt of sin he owed. 

    The reason why God's merciful kindness to His people is so great is because even at their best they are still great sinners and are entirely unworthy of the least of His favors. And those who are forgiven much, also love much (See Luke 7:47).