Ruth, the Moabite and the daughter-in-law of Naomi saw life differently! It is amazing to read about this young woman who chose to be optimistic despite what life threw at her. Her heart was full of hope, and she would not back down. The death of her husband was no fault of hers, yet there was no bitterness in her towards God, herself, the people around her or her world. She allowed her situation to draw her towards God.
Bathsheba’s first son was doomed to die because of his parent’s sin. The case was settled despite David’s heartfelt remorse and appeal for forgiveness, and there was no going back with God. David was forgiven, but he had to face the consequences of his sin - the baby had to die! When someone else has to bear the brunt of one’s mistake, the situation is complex and painful for anyone in the Kingdom. In this situation, it may be difficult to forgive one’s self, let alone let the matter slide. The hurt and disappointment from the failure and the pain caused by the negative impact of the mistake on others may be crippling.
However, David’s approach was terrific and surprising when he heard that his baby had passed! Or am I the only one feeling this way?
“Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshipped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate”. 2 Samuel 12 vs 20.
This perspective was borne from his relationship with God. This attitude stems from the understanding that if God forgives his sins, he doesn’t need to bear the weight. He was not deviant to the sense of loss of his son, but his newly gained perspective made him conquer his guilt and gave him freshness and strength to mourn right and comfort his wife, knowing that his son has gone to be with the Lord and that his sins have been forgiven.
Our God is a God of second chances. If God is not tired of giving us opportunities in life, we should also be open to giving others chances and benefits of doubt. Many people around us are battered by the consequences of their decisions, choices, actions, and inactions. Please don’t rub it in on such people when you come across them. Don’t be judgemental. They’ve had enough! Instead, show them love, kindness and acceptance. You may be the first person to be this gracious to them! I assure you, it will make a lifetime impact on them.
This understanding is the focus of the Emerald Light Initiative, a project of the Selah Support Foundation. This initiative is dedicated to giving pregnant adolescent and adolescent mothers in Nigeria second chances at life. We support and care for them because we believe everyone deserves an opportunity, failure notwithstanding.
This post is challenging you to acquire a higher perspective. Forgive yourself when you mess up, and forgive others too. Learn from your mistakes and use them as a platform to move forward. Let your experiences give birth to patience and hope that others can glean from. Don’t allow your failures to define you. You are not your errors or mistakes! There is more to life! Enjoy and give others chances to enjoy!
©️ THE EMERALD LIGHT INITIATIVE
