Sunday, September 09, 2007

Once Bitten Twice Shy

'Once bitten twice shy' is often what comes out when people feel they have been betrayed, marginalised or hurt. Very often our defence mechanism comes into combative mode when we are hurt by another party. Yet, the love of God compels us to give the person a second chance. 

The Lord does not want us to write people off easily. When Peter betrayed Jesus; when those who had earlier laid palm branches to welcome Him upon His entry into Jerusalem later cried out in outright betrayal: “Crucify Him! Crucify him”, Jesus did not write off these people, He did not call down fire to banish them from planet earth. 

He loved them too much to write them off. He has never written off you and I or we will not be here today. His mercy triumphs over judgement. The Lord compels us to forgive. He honours our obedience and love. He helps us to overcome. He loves through us.

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