We Can Learn

Psalm 119:67 (NET) - Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.

Its 176 verses speak of the character of God.

But this time it was verse sixty-seven that captured my attention.

The Psalmist is saying that he used to stray until he was made to suffer.

This paints a clear picture of God as the Father.

Even human fathers discipline their children when it becomes necessary.

A human father disciplines his children when he must, not because he wants to.

Similarly, God disciplines us only when He must.

Such discipline is for our benefit.

Paul understood this.

He described the results of discipline in his second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NET) - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.

As human beings, we sometimes stray away from God.

God, being the loving Father, disciplines us when we stray too far.

He does not do this out of anger, spite, or vengeance.

He does this because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

When we return, He proves this.

He forgives us.

God remains faithful even when we choose to rebel.

He wants us to keep His instructions and those of Jesus.

Should we not then share that same love with others?

Should we not also forgive just as we have been forgiven?

Forgiveness can be difficult even for Christians.

But with God’s love, help, and discipline… even we can learn to love… and forgive.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 8, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 15, 2021