How Can You Be an Example of Jesus?

 

I had spent the morning outside and popped inside to get something to drink. I noticed a blinking light on the answering machine so I pushed the button to listen to it.

It was school, actually the principal.  I was already on alert because this was not an automated call.

My son had got caught stealing.

As I listened to the message, I was overcome by a lot of emotions. Sadness, anger, scared and then felt insufficient.

I had failed as a mom.

The principal was awaiting my call back and I arranged to meet with him later. This was the first offense for my son but I really wanted it to make an impact so I asked that a police officer come and be a part of the meeting.

As I was driving to the school, I prayed that the Holy Spirit would give me the right words. I didn’t want my humanness to come out and say things that my son could slip into memory and never forget.

I wanted to most of all show him the process of forgiveness and love.

Here was my moment to show him Jesus.

The grace and unconditional love of our Savior that was freely available.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

The meeting was uncomfortable and my son was very penitent and ashamed. He knew he was wrong.

I thought that I would be stewing when I saw my son, but I was surprised how overcome with love I was. All my previous feelings disappeared and I wasn’t embarrassed in my parenting any longer.

I was so glad to have this son, even sitting in the principal’s office.

As I drove home, I began turning this over in my mind.

Is this how God is with us when we have struggles and make bad choices?

Does He go through this escalator of emotions? I think He is overcome with love when He looks at us.

[tweetthis]When we slip-up, God is still overjoyed that we are His.[/tweetthis]

The small messes up to the big. Words spoken harshly. Addictions that snared us. Affairs that broke up our families. Guilt so big that we can’t imagine anyone ever forgetting.

The God of Heavenly Realms is elated we are His.

Today. Tomorrow. Forever.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)

How many mistakes I make.

Sometimes I laugh at the stupidity of my actions. Usually its small mistakes, but the really big ones are my fault too. Some of those consequences are tough to accept but they make the biggest impact.

These mistakes cause me to feel guilt and shame.

Oh the joy of grace from my Savior!

How many times have I asked God to take away my struggles, but they linger on?

You know what?

Premature seasons of growth would never get us where God wants us to be.

How much Jesus I would have missed also!

I’m hopeful that this lesson for my son has done more than just keep him from stealing in the future.

My son witnessed Jesus’ love and grace.

He will continue to make mistakes throughout his life, but He will always be assured of the never-ending love of God.

Prayer: Thank you God for your love for me. I’m sorry when I make mistakes. I am so thankful that you forgive me and look upon me with love instead of what I really deserve. Help me see the lessons you want me to learn and use them in a way that changes me. Amen

Your Sister in Christ,

Julie

Original image from pixabay.com