Is It Possible to Correct Mistakes in Perception?

Mistakes are one of those pesky problems that must be tolerated in others as well as within oneself.  A mistake can be viewed as a learning experience, as an opportunity to correct inappropriate attitudes and refrain from behaviors that have become the source of problems and troubles. Mistakes create embarrassment, frustration, and shame.

When the Prodigal Son returned home a complete failure, his father gave a party to celebrate his son’s safe arrival. His older brother was angry and resentful. He refused to be consoled because he felt betrayed by the father whom he believed showed favoritism and preference for this younger, rebellious brother.

This was a mistake in perception. The father demonstrated exactly what God’s attitude is toward us when we return home to his mercy, unfailing love, and forgiveness. Some people mistakenly believe their sins are so egregious God could never forgive and cleanse them. God’s grace is greater than all our sins.  

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…The more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God’s abounding grace forgiving us.

~Romans 5:20 The Living Bible

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Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news? 

Jealousy or Forgiveness? It's Your Choice - Part 2

Children are keen observers of the attitudes and behaviors their parents model for them. In the story of the prodigal son, imagine what the older brother was thinking and feeling when he observed his father give away property to his younger brother, who would sell it and leave home for an extended period of reckless living? He would later witness his father maintain a vigilant watch each day for the return of the younger son.

Picture the lavish reception this wayward son received from his father when he returned home in abject poverty. The older brother was not happy. He felt threatened, betrayed, and defensive. He believed he was not as special as his brother although he had worked hard, followed his father's rules, and remained obedient.

Is it fair for God to be as accepting of someone who has enjoyed a life of sin and reckless living as he is of someone who has always been faithful? Your answer could  be based on which of these two brothers you more clearly identify with. The good news is, God's love and mercy are greater than all your sins.

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