02.16.21—Forgiveness!--Corinthians 1:26-31
My friend, may I ask you a question? Is it really God’s plan is for us to show love when little or none is shown in return?
My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I’m M. Clifford Brunner
Although two wrongs may not make a right, sometimes one wrong does. I’m not saying that doing wrong is as good as doing right. However, as it’s always best to do the right thing, it also good to remember that our wrongs, in the right hands, can often be remolded into something beneficial and positive.
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect. The one delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full. The cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I’ve been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path. As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load. The bear- er said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”
God uses the “foolish things of this world to shame the wise.” Isn’t it good to know that even our mistakes can become useful in the divinely capable hands of our Almighty God? Perhaps if we kept this in mind, it would make coming to God and others for forgiveness, as well as offering that same forgiveness to others, a lot easier. Each of us is like that cracked pot. Our flaws are obvious and detract from what God would have us to be. Yet, like that cracked pot, God will certainly make use of the pot as well as the crack. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Simply, stand ready to confess them when you do, while striving to forgive others who may have just as many “cracks” and “leaks” as you.
We pray. Heavenly Father. You use the “foolish things of this world to shame the wise.” Isn’t it good to know that even our mistakes can become useful in your divinely capable hands? Perhaps if we kept this in mind, it would make coming to You and others for forgiveness, as well as offering that same forgiveness to others, a lot easier. Forgive us when we choose fear over forgiveness. Each of us is like that cracked pot. Our flaws are obvious and detract from what You would have us to be. Yet, like that cracked pot, You will certainly make use of the pot as well as the crack. Help us Lord not to be afraid to make mistakes. Make us ready to confess them when we do, while striving to forgive others who may have just as many “cracks” and “leaks” as we do. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.