Second Chances

After writing last week’s bulletin / blog, I think I was a bit harsh on the cell phone store in Caro. I don’t know what kind of day the lady who served me was having. I don’t know what her struggles are. There could be any number of reasons I didn’t get very good service that day.

I suppose that being a pastor further complicates the matter, as I need to be a living example of God’s grace and mercy. If God never gave second chances, where would any of us be? Praise God, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8)

This week I returned to the Caro store, and received much better service (from the same person). I didn’t end up buying my phone there, but God reminded me of His patience, grace and mercy … characteristics we are all to emulate. Consider the following passages:

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I’m glad I went back. If I hadn’t, perhaps I would have missed a lesson that God had for me. I hope it benefits you, too. Once again, Praise God for His grace, mercy, and patience. May we always show those attributes to others.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker