Everyone gets a second chance with the new year. Why was it so important to Jesus to give people a second chance?
Every year, our earth shows us a pattern:
New life (Spring)
Growth (Summer)
Aging (Fall)
Death (Winter)
This pattern has cycled over and over again since the beginning, and will do so until the end. It is a picture of regeneration. God wants us to be surrounded by reminders of renewal and fresh beginnings.
As this year comes to a close and the New Year is about to begin, there may be someone in your life who has, for a lack of better words, killed your relationship, or killed your desire to interact with them; perhaps they have borrowed money and have been unable to return it, or have otherwise hurt you. Should you give them a second chance?
If they come and sincerely apologize for the offense, you may have the secret desire to suspend them in their acknowledged guilt for a few months until you take time to "assess the situation". After all, you don't really want them to feel free any time soon.
Perhaps this is an exaggeration; but it is important to be aware of our motives, and also to be aware of how our responses affect the potential recovery of fallen friends and acquaintances.
One of the simplest ways to see the importance of our forgiving others, is to remember how God forgave us. If you feel that the ones who offended you do not deserve to be forgiven, remember that you did not deserve to be forgiven by God, and yet Jesus Christ came and died to pay for your offenses so that you are now free indeed!
Just like the earth comes back to life in the spring, your forgiveness toward others may set them free and spark a season of renewal in their heart.
The greatest commandment is love; loving God and loving people. One of the greatest ways to love your fellow-man is to be quick in giving second chances.
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