February 23
Scripture: Psa 130:3-4
Source author: Scoti Springfield Domeij
February 23
The Sanctity of Forgiveness Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. —Psalm 130:3–4
My Christian workplace buzzed. Mary, a twenty-something former co-worker, was pregnant. Her unmarried status sent tongues into wagging mode. Mary visited our ministry often. Staunch Christians I admired expressed strong opinions: “She’s not ready to be a mom.” “Mary should give that baby up for adoption.” “If she keeps that child, it has no future.” I thought of another unwed mom I knew who had chosen life for her child. As a result, her pro-life church ostracized her. She said, “I almost wish I’d aborted. If no one knew, I’d still be welcome.” One day I saw Mary and said, “I’m so proud of you.” “You are?” Her eyes registered surprise. “When abortion is an easy option, I admire your courage to choose life for your baby.” Real love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). Just as in Christ God forgave me, I relinquished my holier-thanthou attitudes to demonstrate kindness and compassion to Mary.
Since God forgives all my regrettable choices, how can I offer less to others? — Scoti Springfield Domeij —