He does not treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10 NIV).

Our teenage son had tested us often, and we had always tried to fit the “punishment to the crime.” This time we had caught him smoking. My husband asked him, “What do you think your punishment should be?”

Our son raised sad eyes and answered, “Not to be allowed to go along to Florida next month?”His father and I responded instantly. Smoking was a serious, health-threatening infraction of the rules, but this struggling young man was still our son. Banning him from our family vacation as a punishment had never entered either of our minds, even though he was sure that is what he deserved!

If we as parents were that reluctant to exclude our son from the family, even temporarily, how much less likely is our heavenly Father to expel repentant Christians from His family. When I fail God, I always find that He treats me much better than I deserve.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8).  Help us to be like you.  Amen.

(Devotional from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or Ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leana’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445 or donaisy@neo.rr.com.)