Forgiveness Quote

Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive. C.S. Lewis

Can We Forgive Riley Cooper?

I love sports….. Mike and Mike In The Morning….. and Cris Carter!!

On August 8th, the conversation revolved around whether Riley Cooper, the latest offender using the “n” word, can be forgiven by his teammates and others.

First of all let me say that the “n” word is disgusting and demeaning and those who use it clearly have given no thought to the impact it holds!  That being said, the consensus of these three seemed to be that it was unlikely the football player could get past this mistake.  They went on to say Cooper would likely not be protected by his teammates while on the playing field.

Cris Carter stated that he would have the same opinion towards those slurring any race, religion, sex, etc.  While that sounds noble and idealistic, reality is, we are often disrespected.  One of my personal experiences has been the slurring of my faith and religious beliefs when different from the latest political and social agenda.

Next. Of course there IS forgiveness! Christ forgave those who mocked and laughed and spat on him, even as he gave his life for their salvation. He was labeled “King of the Jews”, as opposed to the more politically correct, “Jewish king.”  Remember Christ’s words, ” Father forgive them for they know not what they do”?  Forgiveness is a choice.

Like it or not this is a country of free speech. Some pretty disgusting things have been tolerated in the name of the first amendment.  The mixture of alcohol and social media is a lethal combination, often revealing the depths to which we will sink. But this and similar slurs happen every day on a less public stage. Are we going to be offended and never forgive? What a hateful, embittered world that would be!

Carter questioned if Riley Cooper had used that word in the past…. What if he has?…  Most likely all of us have things in our past of which we are not proud. Life is about growing into better people today than we were yesterday and dare I say, learning from our mistakes.  We all start at different places in life with more or less to equip us to deal with the expectations of the world.  Our job isn’t to be perfect but to learn, change when necessay, and grow.  We are human beings and saying stupid things is a hazard we face every morning when we arise, but it shouldn’t be fatal!

MEDIA KNOCK IT OFF!!!  LET IT HEAL!!!

This guy’s seems legitimately sorry!  Will we refuse to give him the benefit of the doubt? What would be enough to placate his accusers?  Should we condemn him to the pits of despair so when he takes his life over this matter we can then wonder “what went wrong”?

Let’s take the high road, be the better person, and forgive!

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone…John 8:7

Quotes

Quotes

GOD LOVES YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

No matter how long we have known Christ, we often struggle to understand His love for us.  We see all of our failures, shortcomings, and sin and feel useless and unworthy.  We think God doesn’t really mean it when He says He loves us. We think if only we can act better it will increase His love for us.

I have devoured Neil T. Anderson’s book entitled “Victory Over The Darkness.”  In his book is a paragraph that I want to share with you today.

God Loves You Just the Way You Are!….The primary truth you need to know about God in order for your faith to remain strong is that His love and acceptance is unconditional.  When your walk of faith is strong, God loves you.  When your walk of faith is weak, God loves you.  When you’re strong one moment and weak the next, God loves you.  God’s love for you is the great eternal constant in the midst of all the inconsistencies of your daily walk.

The author reminds us that scripture shows God wants us to do good, of course.  But God has already made provision for our failure.  So His love is constant regardless!

 But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for OUR sins but also the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2;1,2 NIV

A Few Quotes

ANOTHER START

Great devotion from the flip calendar, “God Calling” edited by A.J.Russell.  February 1st. This scripture verse is probably my favorite as it reminds me of the hope we have in our Heavenly Father.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 5:22-23

Put the old mistakes away, and start anew.  I give you a fresh start.  Be not burdened.  Be not anxious.  If My forgiveness were for the righteous only and those who had not sinned, where would be its need?  God

A new day, Father, to love and be loved, to listen and be heard, to find and seek.  For this I am grateful.