How many chances do you give someone?

By Ellen Shuck

Do you think they will never do it again? "This is the last time," you say. "I'll give him/her another chance." Then do you go on your way truly believing the deed, unseemly words, or whatever shouldn't have been, was an accident.

If you have ever been a parent or have been in charge of other people or children, this may sound familiar. People are changeable and prone to making mistakes and performing bad behavior.

Jim was especially accustomed to doing the wrong thing. He was a teen-ager who enjoyed creating an unfavorable situation. His aunt, Julie, who was rearing Jim, became exasperated with his constant problems causing. It seemed he came up continually with new ideas that were anything but good.

Just when Julie decided she had endured all she could handle from him, being ready to report him to some higher authorities, he become charming and tried to be good. As most parents and others dealing with individuals, families and people, in general do; Julie would decide that his last transgression was probably the last. Janie would let out a huge sigh of relief and enjoy the new Jim, at least, for a while. Jim kept, going off the wagon of acceptable behavior and Julie kept thinking "This will be the last time he'll stray," One day, she asked herself, "How many times do I give him a second chance, forgive him and believe that is the last time?

The scenario can relate to all areas of life. It seems you have to constantly forgive and give second chances to other people, just as they have to you. People can, indeed change. So who knows if the time is now? Perhaps our belief in a person is what they need to start anew.

If we're Christian, we know what God's response is to those who stray, as we all do. Matthew 18:21-22 says, "Then Peter came up and said to Him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him: As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven. In other we need to forgive others as often as they need it. Forgiveness gives us second chance to hope. If God can forgive¸ so can we. Often we merely need to swallow our pride, remembering that life isn't all about us. What happens to us and what people do to us is of little consequence unless we allow it the power. Lamentations said, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (3:21-23).

When I read Scripture, unless I'm concentrating, I miss the value contained in them. This particular one in Lamentations is very thought-provoking. It talks about the hope that God gives people even though they err. His love never stops, so that's comforting to us. We are all like children deep down inside so knowing that someone cares about you, always make you feel warm and cozy inside. Like you're in a warm room by the fireplace wrapped in a blanket. The difference is, in reality, its God's love, forgiveness and steadfastness that is never-ending is the blanket, and the warmth of the fireplace that warms us.

The crowning part of that Scripture is that God's love, mercies and forgiveness is new every morning. There is something about the sound of morning that brightens my spirits. It signifies a fresh, start, calm coolness, and for sure a brightness that the light brings.

Seeking help for people is necessary but making mistakes cannot mean everything is over for you, that it's so final. Do as God does, forgive over and over and keep giving others another chance.