Abba will not give affliction for affection
Every day, in many ways, we falter, we fail
Yet He tenders mercy that mellows justice
An example He longs we duplicate. Look
Deeper, buried in every offense are keys
Disguised as lessons: grace digs each out
Presents them in pieces we can chew
Digest, assimilate and communicate.
Grace grooms us to grow through each
Making room for others to grow along.
God gives to you and to me so we can
Learn to bless as we’ve been blessed.

Food For Thought: I am an avid reader and my favorites are classical and biographies. Attractive as titles appear, I would consider content before choosing a book but I would read everything in these two categories. My favorites are the humorous, with jolly ending – after all, life is tough enough. However, I observed the tragedies come with unforgettable lessons. While wading through one last week, I kept thinking how cheery the ending would have turned out and how much better the lives of those involved would have been if only they applied forgiveness. Without forgiveness, life is tortuous. Without forgiveness, everyone in that novel went their separate ways, suffering dearly, leaving no room for reconsideration and reconciliation. In a world inhabited by flawed humans, life will be all miseries and tragedies without the application of forgiveness. Besides what God and His word commands, the lives and works of people like you and me reflect in compelling symbols, the indisputable role and benefits of forgiveness.

Scripture: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: 2.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You have been a worthy example to me, may I be a shining example of You to others, especially in exercising forgiveness. Amen.