“But remember you are kind and caring, don’t forget that.”

This is what I hear over and over again in some shape or form. But am I? I don’t think I am.

I went to go research the time of the flood, but really the year doesn’t matter.

We only make it to Genesis 6:6, before God regrets making us because of our wickedness and starts plans for starting the human race over.

Deuteronomy 9:14, post flood, he’s ready to annihilate his chosen people, again.

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. – Isaiah 64:6

Paul tells us no one is righteous in Romans 3:10-12.

Jesus, Christ himself, even declares, no one is good, except God, in Mark 10:18

So over 2000 years later why would I think being kind and caring forgives me from anything?

It justifies nothing. I am a sinner. Nothing good lives in me (Romans 7:18).

And yet, I have been forgiven! But it’s not because I am good, because I am wretched. But it is because, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

So if He still loves me for being as vile as I am and I am saved because he forgives me, doesn’t He love and forgive my mom too?

Immediately, I am reminded of the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:21-35.

My mom has sinned so much more against God, than she has against me, and if He can forgive her, why can’t I?

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Matthew 18:32-35

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me to love like you do. Help me to forgive, how you forgave me.