mercy

Forgiven To Forgive

We have an unspoken social custom that says when we receive something from someone, we should find a way to repay the kindness or gift. Sometimes we try to get out from under the social norm by rationalizing why we think that we are not obligated to return the favor. At times, we may notContinue reading “Forgiven To Forgive”

Debts Forgiven

The Lord Is Patient

I have noticed that I am more likely to extend a kindness to another person when I have recently received kindness or I have received kindness from the same person to whom I am extending kindness. I am appalled that I am so selfish and unkind. Matthew 18:26 says, “So the servant fell on hisContinue reading “The Lord Is Patient”

Regifting

Some people are avid regifters. They may need very little themselves, so they get joy out of giving what they have received to others. Many just see regifting as an opportunity to offload something that they didn’t really want in the first place. White elephant gift exchanges are a prime example of the downside ofContinue reading “Regifting”

God of All Comfort

The Difficulty of Waiting

I am often an impatient person. If I am waiting for a package to be delivered, I am always checking updates on its progress. If I am waiting in line at a traffic light, I start to get anxious as I don’t see the cars quickly moving when the light turns green. In our rushContinue reading “The Difficulty of Waiting”

Waiting For Our Return

Brand New

It seems that anytime I want to do something new or restore something that an obstacle suddenly arises. I find that supplies are not available or a service provider cannot deliver as promised. If the new thing is my desire to restore a relationship, sometimes the other person is not receptive or has cut offContinue reading “Brand New”

Hardest Stuggles

Oftentimes our hardest struggles are those within us. Most of us are working to improve our character, but constantly fighting internal battles over anger, pride, lust, greed, and self-centeredness. Sometimes we are strong, but mostly we find that we are weak. Who can help us with our desire to grow and improve? Hebrews 4:15-16 says,Continue reading “Hardest Stuggles”