You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Psalm 86:5–7 (NIV)
I need forgiveness and mercy daily. This is because I make mistakes regularly. Being a mom of three boys tends to exacerbate the problem. Any time you are living in close proximity with others, they will get to experience your weaknesses firsthand.
When I am stressed out with deadlines or bill payments or a lack of sleep, my weaknesses seem to grow. I get frustrated more easily. My perfectionism and pride come bubbling up.
This week, I have had to apologize repeatedly to my children as my emotions have gotten the better of me. Yesterday when I said I would try to do better and not yell at you, I meant it. Right up until that time that I yelled at you today. Can you forgive me…again?
Forgiveness and mercy are an integral part of following Jesus. Our lives are a process of coming undone and Jesus putting us back together. We won’t get it right every day. But we can learn from our mistakes.
We may be a mess, but if we can offer that mess to the One Who loves us the most, He can begin to heal our brokenness. He loves us and tells us that, even though we are a mess, He is not leaving us that way. He has a plan. A way to bring us closer to Him. He steps into our weakness and brings His strength. He offers mercy and forgiveness and reminds us who we are in Him. New creations . . . being transformed into His likeness and image a little more every day.
Faith Step: Write your most recent “mess” on a piece of paper. Offer it to Jesus. Now erase it and, in its place, write, “Jesus forgives me and offers me mercy.”
