For January 31st

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”  Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

As many of you realize, being a mom is both an exhausting and highly rewarding job.  One recent day, I found my toddler son coloring on the walls in our laundry room.  We had already had a busy morning playing around the house, getting out all of his toys, and doing the daily task of teaching right from wrong.  Because he had already colored on our laundry room once before, which resulted in a discussion of what we do and do not color on as well as time out, I was very upset that he chose to do this again.  While my son sat in time out, I cleaned the wall and found myself becoming angrier with him for his actions.

During this brief quiet time of cleaning, I felt God prompt me to forgive my son just as He forgives me.  I sin daily through my words, thoughts, and actions, yet the Lord forgives me when I ask for forgiveness even though I do not deserve it.  My son’s actions helped remind me that God has entrusted me with this most precious gift of rearing a child for which I am eternally grateful.  One of the best lessons I can teach my son is to forgive others as Christ forgives us and to be humbled and thankful for the many gifts with which He blesses us.

Katie Goss