DELETE! DELETE! DELETE! Patty Tichonoff
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6–8
This morning as I was reading through my devotional, I came across this scripture and after reading this verse I just sat staring at the words and thought to myself, this is a scripture for the holidays.
I know for myself, there are times I want to delete part of my day or even part of myself because of poor judgement and actions. I love—absolutely love the holidays! During this season, I notice changes in myself and others. What causes this to happen just on certain days? Shouldn’t it be the attitude all year round? Of course it should.
God’s grace came when he told Mary that she would have a son and to name Him Jesus; He would be the Savior of the world. God knew that this small Baby (His son) would grow up to be nailed to a cross for all our transgressions. But, in the years before the cross, His son showed love in ways for which we still hunger. Have we forgotten this precious gift that was given to us many, many years ago? Do we not see the love of God threaded throughout history, or do we blindly ignore it? Do we only bring it out on special holidays?
This year, give the gift of Love, Joy and Peace. We spend time wanting to hit, DELETE several times throughout the day on our devices and with personal interactions because of our poor behaviors we display publicly and even privately.
Our irritations emerge when stress, frustration, and tiredness are present. We must pause, take a breath, and forgive ourselves and ask for forgiveness through prayer; making amends to those we’ve misunderstood or mistreated.
Stop hitting the delete button and try another approach! Take a breath and pray silently. By doing this often, your delete button may become less used and possibly obsolete.
God sent His only Son to take that stress from us. The birth of Christ was the perfect living example of mercy and grace. When we look upward while on our knees, it’s a natural stress reliever for our soul. What a gift!
The gift of forgiveness is freely given for all to receive.
Merry Christmas!
Father, thank You for Love, Joy and Peace and other daily gifts through Your Son, Jesus. You have allowed us grace and mercy and we are grateful. Please remind us daily of Your forgiveness and love. AMEN.