Forgiveness requires mercy. In the absence of some “fair” exchange, or payment made by the indebted party, the only hope for deliverance an offender has is mercy. Mercy cannot be demanded by the guilty party, otherwise, it’s no longer mercy. The offended party must choose to give it. Jesus told the following parable to a […]
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement Read More »
How can you teach a blind person to see? You can’t. A blind person must leverage other bodily senses to approximate the experience of seeing. For example, a teacher might put a blind person’s hand on something cold and say, “This is what blue looks like.” Or, they might put their hand on something hot
There’s No Real Substitute for Sight Read More »
A grateful heart is a blessed heart. Have you ever met someone whose life is a walking proverb of what not to do? Let me qualify that question a little further. Have you ever met a believer whose life is a walking proverb of what not to do? If so, have you ever noticed how grateful they are to
A Grateful Heart Is a Blessed Heart Read More »
“Trust me.” “Why should I trust you?” “Because I love you.” This brief interaction describes many situations in this life where one person asks another to take their hand, whether literally or figuratively, for their own sake. As the prior guides the latter, out of love, the latter begins to realize that the prior truly
When I was growing up, there were only three “good” channels on the television. This meant we watched whatever was on, which often resulted in watching programs that, had we more options, we would have never chosen to watch. One of the most popular shows was the Miss America Pageant. At some point during the
The Search for Peace Read More »
When I was young and still living at home with my mom – a single mother raising four kids, at times below the poverty line in America – I used to whine once in a while about not having what the other kids had. I wanted the new BMX bicycle, the new action figure, the
Life Isn’t Always Fair Read More »
As you would expect, Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples was always well placed, poignant, and directed. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 There’s an interesting
The Word “If” Is Extremely Encouraging for Some Read More »
For most people, getting out of bed in the morning is the start of their day. Get out on “the wrong side of the bed,” as they say, and you’re disheartened by the prospect of what lies ahead. When this happens, I have my worst days…days where I’m feeling particularly uninspired. It’s like a burden
Getting Out of Bed In the Morning Read More »
It’s fun to play pretend. Most of us grew up engaging in activities that often included acting like someone else. Charades is a perfect example of this. Acting in a school play is another. We’ve all enjoyed pretending; but, what happens when pretending becomes pretension (the root word for pretension is pretend)? What happens when
Be Yourself, For Yourself Read More »
I love the word “righteousness” because it implies “being right”. That may sound like a silly thing to point out, but it isn’t if you really take the time to ponder it. Declaring oneself righteous is a lot easier, in practice, than actually “being” righteous. For example, how many times have you heard someone swear up and
Righteousness Implies Being Right Read More »