Second Chances

I would like to talk to you today about

second chances. A well-known physician

in England told of a young nurse who

served in a hospital of which he was the

head physician. The nurse was stationed

beside a young boy who lingered for

several hours between life and death.

She served devotedly, but she made a

mistake that was almost fatal to the child.

Only through diligent efforts of the medical

team was the boy’s life saved. The doctor

was on the verge of dismissing her when,

softly, she asked for a second chance. He

had not thought of granting her another

chance, and he told her so.

 

That night, the physician could not sleep.

A far-off echo kept whispering, “Forgive us

our trespasses as we forgive those who

trespass against us.” The next morning, he

tore up the report, and gave the nurse

another chance. She later became head of

one of the largest hospitals in England.

 

Is there someone close to you that you need

to forgive? Perhaps someone has sought

your forgiveness and you have refused to

forgive them. Ask God to give you a spirit

of forgiveness. Jesus can create in you a

new heart. There is a beginning again. Life

that is stained and defeated can emerge

clean and victorious through his abundant

grace.

 

Father, restore unto me the joy of a forgiving

spirit that I may forgive others as you have

forgiven me.

Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  Matthew 6:14-15 KJV

Who needs to hear this?