Word 4 U 2day/Second, Third, Fourth

[ladylovesJesus]

Second, Third, Fourth Chances

'How often shall ... I forgive him?' Matthew 18:21

Peter's come out in blotches around his neck. The vein in his forehead is vibrating. He's tried doing the deep breaths and count-to-ten thing but still his knuckles are forcing their way through his skin: 'Jesus - how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me?' he spits out, staring into the back of the head of the brother who has hurt him.

'Well you don't want to be seen as the church doormat, Pete. Pull him to one side- make a snide comment but dress it up in holy language. That way he'll think God has taken your side. And if he still doesn't come round to your way of thinking, get a load of your mates to back up your argument. And if he still doesn't come round give him a little slap - in Christian love of course'.

At least that's the answer playing around in Peter's head. Jesus actual answer can't put a number on how many times you should forgive. Don't bother getting your calculator out - the number won't fit on the screen. Whether you think it or not, people always deserve a second chance. And a third chance. And a fourth - you get the idea.

Where would we all be without second chances? After all, 'if you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?' (John 20:23 TM).

written by Bob Gass

 

[RJ]

Second, Third, Fourth Chances

'How often shall ... I forgive him?' Matthew 18:21

Peter's come out in blotches around his neck. The vein in his forehead is vibrating. He's tried doing the deep breaths and count-to-ten thing but still his knuckles are forcing their way through his skin: 'Jesus - how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me?' he spits out, staring into the back of the head of the brother who has hurt him.

'Well you don't want to be seen as the church doormat, Pete. Pull him to one side- make a snide comment but dress it up in holy language. That way he'll think God has taken your side. And if he still doesn't come round to your way of thinking, get a load of your mates to back up your argument. And if he still doesn't come round give him a little slap - in Christian love of course'.


At least that's the answer playing around in Peter's head. Jesus actual answer can't put a number on how many times you should forgive. Don't bother getting your calculator out - the number won't fit on the screen. Whether you think it or not, people always deserve a second chance. And a third chance. And a fourth - you get the idea.

Where would we all be without second chances? After all, 'if you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?' (John 20:23 TM).

written by Bob Gass

It is pretty simple actually, forgive as we have been forgiven...completely!Love keeps no records of wrong and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.