The conversation is an old one. “Do you remember the house rules?” Words follow. “Can you repeat them to me, please?” Recitation occurs through mumbled lips. “Is there a material error in the conversation just related?” Head nods negative. “Do you understand that you clearly broke our house rules?” Head nods positive.
I am confident that I have never loved this child more in that moment. She had lost control of a situation, said things for reasons that even she is not sure off, and yet stood tall and was accounted for. I wish for others that my words and hers would never again hurt anyone. I know with certainty that I at least will forget, turn again to my own selfish ways, and again throw barbs in another’s direction. This child will follow the same pattern. This will be repeated for years to come unless a miracle breaks the cycle with fundamental change.
I cannot imagine how I would react if I were God. How long do I need to put up with this type of rejection and pain? How idiotic can these people be? What must I do further to clarify the facts, get the issues clearly out on the table, and convey what is at risk?
The blunt fact is that there are plenty of facts available. The issues are clearly out on the table. Risk is always in the eyes of the beholder, and I for one am usually blind. Given this, “[is] God so fed us with me [Israel] that he’ll have nothing more to do with [me] them?” (Romans 11.1)
The answer is quick and direct. “Hardly.” (Romans 11.1)
God has always known that you and I will continue to repeat past failures. God knows this, however the knowledge does not change whom and what He is. God is the definition of love that is a mystery that defies my understanding. He offers mercy not justice because his highest priority is to see me restored to my capabilities and potential.
Repeated failure is always an opportunity for love that changes.
