Ask for Permission, or Ask for Forgiveness?
Have you ever heard the expression: "Forgiveness is easier to ask for than permission?"
The expression is usually used in jest, and not meant to do real harm. Forgive my ridiculous example, but just in case you haven't heard the expression used, I wanted to give it some context.
However, I don't think our actions reflect that we only express this attitude in jest. In fact, during the most critical moments of our life, I feel we look at God sometimes and think: "Eh, forgiveness is easier to ask for than permission."
Why, because He is loving, kind, and forgiving? Yes, but why is He so ...
We must repent.
After all, this forgiveness that we are offered so freely did not come without a cost. The Author of Life Himself paid the cost by spilled His own blood as payment for this forgiveness we take for granted all to often.
Let us never forget the cost. Granting us the opportunity to repent is in itself the gift.
Next time, if the thought of asking God permission is not something we want to do because we know the answer ... then ... well ... we have the answer ...
His,
~Matthew
The expression is usually used in jest, and not meant to do real harm. Forgive my ridiculous example, but just in case you haven't heard the expression used, I wanted to give it some context.
Worker 1: "We aren't supposed to use the color printer unless necessary; we should ask first."I've been known to even use it myself ... when eating that last cookie, or drinking that last soda, or some other rather silly and minor situation ...
Worker 2: "Yeah, but it's still work related, and I think it would be really helpful. Besides, forgiveness is easier to ask for than permission! Haha
However, I don't think our actions reflect that we only express this attitude in jest. In fact, during the most critical moments of our life, I feel we look at God sometimes and think: "Eh, forgiveness is easier to ask for than permission."
Why, because He is loving, kind, and forgiving? Yes, but why is He so ...
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 ESV)The whole point ... is to lead us to repentance.
We must repent.
After all, this forgiveness that we are offered so freely did not come without a cost. The Author of Life Himself paid the cost by spilled His own blood as payment for this forgiveness we take for granted all to often.
Let us never forget the cost. Granting us the opportunity to repent is in itself the gift.
Next time, if the thought of asking God permission is not something we want to do because we know the answer ... then ... well ... we have the answer ...
His,
~Matthew
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