“’Why do you bring charges against me?  You have all rebelled against me,’ declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 2:29

“There is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:22-24

Sometime ago I watched a documentary about homeless teens and their families.  I recall a mother saying she had had enough.  Her son was no longer welcome home.  Another asked, “where are you?”  And then said, “I’m coming.” 

A beautiful word … forgiveness, mercy, unconditional love ...  Grace.  Why is such a beautiful word, a word we treasure, a word we all need, so hard for us to act out?  It seems so easy to be judgmental of those who don’t look like we do, who speak differently, dress differently, live a lifestyle many won’t accept, even condemn; “the worst of the worst” simply because they were born in another country.  There are churches, temples that honor a gracious God, where others are deemed unworthy and not welcomed.  Parents, brothers and sisters cannot forgive – embarrassing behavior, jealousy and estate issues, and so on.

We are all prodigal sons and daughters.  We have all acted as judge and jury.  We might understand God better if he acted like we do, “one more chance and then I’m finished with you.”  In part that is just how God operates – always another chance; but God is never finished with us.  “Where are you?  I’m coming.”  Grace … forgiveness, mercy, unconditional love ... is a gift meant to be shared. 

Gracious God, thank you for your unending love and forgiveness.  Help us “forgive those who sin against us”, as you “forgive us our sins”.  Amen

Verla Olson

 

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