Here’s the current situation in my home:
“You took the bigger slice. That’s not fair!”
“Stop calling me names. You’re so rude!!”
Perhaps this banter sounds familiar from growing up with siblings. Or maybe, like me, you have the “joy” of listening to it now between your children.
After all the screaming and shouting, it amazes me though how there’s suddenly a moment of sanity when apologies are made, there’s forgiveness and then, the atmosphere is filled with laughter and fun.
Thank goodness for the mercy which siblings show to each other, right?
The reality is that no matter what relationship we are in, it’s a blessing when we are the recipients of forgiveness in spite of our mistakes. Whether it’s a friend after we forgot a commitment or a spouse after we said something hurtful, I am grateful to have been shown mercy. Instead of such relationships ending instantaneously, the ones we have hurt accept our apology and give us another chance.
One of the most beautiful examples in the Bible articulating this sentiment is the apostle Paul. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, he acknowledges how he used to blaspheme God and persecute His people. Yet, his heart was transformed by the Lord and in turn, Paul expressed gratitude for God’s grace and generosity.
In verses 15b-17 (NLT), he says, “’Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever!”
I feel as if Paul took the words right out of my own mouth. Thank You Lord for the mercy You show me EVERY day! I am so grateful for Your love and patience.
Dear Friend, I hope your heart finds itself in a place of gratitude as you think about how the Lord has been merciful to you. Like Paul, may each of our stories give hope to those around us in need of a Savior.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT)
~Joyce
*I was tempted to share the pic of my kids in their moment of rivalry along with the pic once all was well. However, they did not approve of the former … lol. I’ll let you use your imagination as you view them in their finer moment.
