As an elementary school administrator, I often deal with student discipline issues. Sitting across from a red-faced child, I read the teacher’s note: “When asked to pick up the play area and return to his desk, Johnny kicked me in the shin, screamed ‘Leave me alone!’ and ran out of the room.”
As I offer little Johnny a tissue to wipe his tear-streaked face, I think to myself, “Does this child’s behavior summarize who they are?” The answer is almost always no. Children are characterized by their actions, but not necessarily defined by them. It’s the same for big people.
Remember the Bible story of the woman caught in adultery? The Pharisees brought her to Jesus and demanded that she be stoned—according to Mosaic Law. But Christ turned the spotlight back on them:
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
John 8:7 (NLT)
A bruise inflicted shin naturally leads to thoughts of retribution, but when a student misbehaves, a good teacher has but one goal—for that behavior to never happen again.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:11 (NIV)
Kind reader, if you’re like me, you’ve kicked, screamed, and ran (in an adult context) plenty of times. Isn’t it wonderful that God allows do-overs?
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ Prayers and love.
Davids Daily Dose 
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