Date: June 9, 2009 10:16 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Second Chances
Second Chances
Scripture Focus: John 21:1-23
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him" (Luke 17:4)
Looking out the window, I noticed two neighbor boys quarreling in the yard next door. Suddenly one boy picked up his toys and started to leave. The other one called after him, saying he was sorry, but the first child continued to walk away, refusing to give his friend another chance to play together.
How much like adults these boys were! So often we cut people off when they disagree with us or disappoint us, refusing to give them a second chance.
But not Jesus. Before His crucifixion, Peter had denied knowing Him three times but repents.
After His Resurrection, Jesus singled out Peter, He had already met with Peter privately and forgiven him. Now Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and three times He commissioned Peter to minister for Him. Jesus didn't write Peter off as impossible or unusable.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
Insight: Have you let a relationship suffer because you have not been willing to give and give that person another chance?
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