Getting What We Deserve

The other day my son came to me very upset over a run in he had with a friend in the neighborhood.  This kid and my son go back and forth.  One day they're best friends and the next day they're bitter enemies.  My son said to me, "Should he get what he deserves?"

Immediately, I flashed back to a message I heard at my church and the words the pastor said.   "I'm sure glad I don't get what I deserve".  Based on my behavior as a follower of Jesus, a parent, and a husband - what I deserve isn't very appetizing.  However, I have the full forgiveness of the Grace of God.  So, fortunately, I can avoid what I deserve.  Jesus Christ got what I deserve when he died on the cross and went to hell and back on my behalf.  

So, I told my son that even when his friends do mean things we try not to repay them with more mean things.  I told him that he needs to take care of himself and not put himself in a position to endure the mean things of other people - but that it is also important to forgive people when they hurt us and deserve to be hurt in return.  

To err is human.  To forgive, divine.  

Thanks.