second chances

I have had something on my mind for quite some time. Who of us is perfect? Who of us have all the right answers? The answer to those questions is easy, none of us. What boggles my mind are two simple questions. Why do we act like we have the answers? Why do we act like we are better than others?

I wish I knew. I wish I understood why some people act like they are better than someone else. What purpose does that fill? Is it a poor self-esteem issue? Why do they have to belittle someone to feel important? Do they like to keep someone down to feel better about themselves? Why can't they forgive?

I have to admit, it really makes me sick. I learned this lesson back in college. I shared a hallway with some skater dudes. These cats dyed their hair jet black, dressed weird, listened to weird music. Another guy on the hall was a complete geek. Really, a total pocket protector wearing nerd. Then there was the bible major, the guitar rocker, three out of control basketball players (that would be the group I was in), and one really quiet, strange guy. It didn't take long for all of us to really appreciate what the other was about. I actually liked all those dudes. Even the skater guys. We had a blast in that hallway for that spring semester. My point is this. If I would not have given these guys a chance, I would have missed out knowing some really neat people.

What if someone makes a bad mistake, and they are held to that mistake the rest of their lives? What if they are not given that second chance? Or even a third chance? Why is it we are quick to stamp someones mistakes all over them and not give them a chance? Even worse, why can't we forgive? We could really be missing out on a changed life. By not giving someone a second chance we could miss out on something amazing. There is nothing more awesome than someone who has turned their life over to God. It is so cool to hear people tell of their experience of having God in their lives for the first time, or reconnecting with him. I have had enough mistakes to fill an ocean full. I am so thankful that people were willing to give me a second chance. Thankful that when I asked for their forgiveness, they really forgave me and totally gave me another chance.

What about those who don't forgive, or give second chances? What if they are even justified in doing so? Does it make it right? I say no. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, or third, or fourth. What if our Lord just wrote us off after we messed up? What if he didn't believe in second chances? I think of the passage from James 4:12 "There is only one law-giver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?" Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge or you to will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Mark 12:31, "...Love your neighbor as yourself." Wouldn't you want forgiveness from someone? Wouldn't you want a second chance? Wouldn't you want the opportunity to make things right and prove you are a changed person? In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it tells what love is. In that description of love it says 'love keeps no record of wrongs.' As you read to verse 13, it simply states "these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

What are we being told? I believe we are being told to forgive, love our neighbor, and give whoever it my be another chance. We cannot control how others will react to us. There will be some who will not offer forgiveness. Some who will condemn others for eternity. Maybe it is arrogance, insecurity, pride that won't let someone let it go. I don't know. I just know this. God works in mysterious ways and through broken people. If you don't take that step and give someone a chance you may be missing out on one of the greatest stories of all time. A story of the power of God turning a broken situation into one of success and triumph. This has just been an observation of mine for a few years. I have watched this happen. I have personally seen people pick and choose who they forgive, who they give second chances to. It really irritates me, but like I said earlier, you can't control what people are going to do. You just might have to prove it by your actions. Actions are stronger than words. You have to get the trust back you lost, but you also have to be willing to take that chance and trust them. Until next time.....