Increase our faith

1. "Marc, you left your dominoes out."

"Sorry, Mom."
"I forgive you."

2. "Marc, do not put checkers in your mouth."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

3. "Marc, come flush the toilet."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

4. "Marc, do not put the silly putty in your hair."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

5. "Marc, do not unroll that much toilet paper."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

6. "Marc, do not throw blocks at your brother."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

7. "Marc, do not use the tape without asking first."

"Sorry, Mom."

"I forgive you."

"Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, "I repent," forgive him." Luke 17: 3, 4

The mom job of forgiving again and again can be wearisome but I must reflect God's grace to my children. He forgives me again and again for my daily mistakes. I am grateful for my children's repentant hearts. Sometimes seven times a day is more like 70 x 7, especially multiplied by four children; however, I have faith that God will supply His grace.

"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'" Luke 17:5 That is my prayer, as well.

Okay, so I attempted to share this post with Tim and Sarah. You know, to demonstrate how important it is to forgive others, especially their brother. Sarah asked what "rebuke" meant and after a quick explanation, Tim interrupted, "Oh good, I thought you said re-puke. You know, throw up on your brother!" This dissolved the little girl in giggles and even mama smiled, but I'm trusting that God's word will not return void. "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'" Luke 17:5