But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
It may not be true for everyone, but it's likely many of us, myself included, have erred at some point in our lives and been the beneficiaries of the mercy and forgiveness of others. It does not cancel the fact we did what we did or the guilt and consequence connected to those actions, but thanks to the love and understanding of that other, we are given a second chance.
Sometimes, though, we may make the same mistake over and over. While we're grateful for that second chance, we fail to learn from the actions that created the harm in the first place. After so many times, those we've harmed are likely less inclined to give additional chances. While their love remains, their understanding diminishes.
After Adam and Eve's rebellion against God in the Garden, sin entered the world. At one point, its people grew so evil He sent a flood to start anew with the family of one righteous man. Not long after, humankind would return to their sinful ways. Next, God made a nation of another man and woman, Abraham and Sarah. In the wilderness, He gave to his faithful servant Moses the Law–rules of how to live holy lives and what to do if they sinned. God, in his mercy and grace, continued to call us to Him though we were the ones who rebelled.
But the Law by itself was incomplete. God himself took human form, experiencing the temptation of sin. Through the example of his life, He showed us how to live in the face of evil, and in his death, he offered us reconciliation. Though we continue to rebel in sin, He provides second, third, and fourth–infinite chances.
However, this doesn't mean we have a free ticket to sin. We aren't to knowingly tempt the limit of His grace. We are to despise evil and do our best to reject temptation, but when we stumble, we remain confident in God's love and mercy.
Parent God, thank you for all the chances you give us. You do this not because of our worthiness but your grace. We confess that we have sinned. We don't want to, we try not to, but we sometimes fail. Merciful and loving God, please forgive us those times. Wash away our stain of sin with the blood of Jesus and fill us anew with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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