Monday; April 13

A common response to finding out that we have done something in error is to try to find a way to justify what we have done.  We can either look for a loophole (a technical rationale to support our behavior) or the common response of seeking someone or something else to blame.  While I understand the internal defense mechanism that drives us to excuse our action, when we do this, we miss out on a very special attribute – forgiveness.  When we seek to deflect accountability, we minimize the impact forgiveness can have on us.  However, when we readily accept our guilt, we can find the joy of forgiveness.  I realize that this is a gamble when it comes to dealing with people, but when it comes to God, He is all about forgiveness.  He was so willing to provide us with the relief from sin that He sent His Son to sacrifice Himself for us.  If He went to that much trouble, we should be willing to accept it and embrace the freedom it brings us.  Does this mean that we should go out and do wrong just so we can feel good?  No way!  But when we do sin, we can confess it, learn from it and move on. 

The New Testament touts the value of forgiveness by teaching us, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (I John 2:1-2).  Are we willing to accept it and enjoy it?

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; May 27

Are you having a tough day today?  If so, why?  What has gotten you so wound up that you can’t relax and rejoice?  On those days when I have a bad day, I am finding that the cause is often something outside my control.  Maybe it is an argument between co-workers.  There are times it is a news story that has captured my attention.  As trivial as it seems, it might even be the fact that my favorite team is in a losing streak.  You know, there are times when it doesn’t seem to take much to suck the life out of me.  Now, while this may seem to be rather simplistic, I think there is some positive news.  You see, if it is something this simple that can make me feel bad, shouldn’t it also be true that something simple just might be able to pull me out of the doldrums.  If we are facing a bad day (not one of those terrible, horrible, no good very bad days … just a bad day), could it be that we just need something to turn it around?  As I wa...
Read more

Friday; May 30

Not long ago, I was watching a television program that featured an example of a satirical snippet of a religious discussion.  Upon reflection of their beliefs one person told the other, “I do not object to the concept of a deity, but I am baffled by the notion of one that takes attendance.”.  While this seems to smack in the face of traditional religion, in kind of a backwards way, I get it.  If we are going to worship an awesome God, why would we want to serve one who cares if we showed up on Sunday mornings?  In other words, if God is as great as He claims to be (which I believe He is) why would His ego need to be stroked by whether we (His creation) showed up to worship Him?  If He knows He is sovereign, why does He care what we think about Him?  Now hear me out on this … I am saying I understand the confusion – not that I agree with the rationale.  You see, while there is something to the concept of God’s creation honoring the God who created them,...
Read more

Tuesday; May 13

Today is a special day for me.  While the official Law Enforcement Memorial Day is May 15, the Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil is traditionally held on the evening of May 13.  It is true that people from all around the country honor the Law Enforcement Community on the 15 th – and many people gather in our nation’s capital to mark the event – it is in the quiet somberness that I find the most heartfelt emotion.  People gather together on the National Mall to hear a roll call of the names of our heroes and light candles in unison to remember the sacrifice these officers made for their community.  Standing there with thousands of friends, families and fans of these often unsung heroes fills my heart with joy and my soul with sadness.  Every once in a while, I will hear the name of someone connected to me, but even if they are all strangers to me, there is a relationship.  I have been blessed to have a connection to the police world for thirty years now and...
Read more