Make mine a double-dip

I just heard the local ice cream truck go down my street singing out its familiar tune to announce its confectionary delights.  This is not altogether unusual…except that it’s December!

Now, that’s what I call optimistic.

Or on second thought, maybe not.  We are a people addicted to pleasure in general, sugar in particular, and c’mon, some things are just never out of season.  I mean, if I can buy strawberries at the local Walmart in winter, why not ice cream?  In fact, why not strawberries on the ice cream? 

Thus, I applaud the ice cream truck in December.

There are other things that seem unusual, unexpected, but are nonetheless always welcome. 

“…and forgive us our sins,
    as we forgive those who sin against us.”

 Like forgiveness, for example.  A hallmark of Jesus’ followers, and not just for our friends who make a mistake or are having a bad day and take it out on us.  Jesus provides no caveats on this forgiveness thing.  In fact, He even takes it further…

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.”

YIKES!  As if letting the brute live and let live isn’t enough, I’m now expected to love him?!?  There’s an ice cream cone’s chance in h….oh wait.  God never asks me to do something on my own, or more importantly, in my own strength. 

Right.

Which means I have a choice to make.  Whether I want to admit it or not, as a redeemed soul purchased in sovereign blood, I have options.  To forgive the impossible is exactly what Christ calls me to do, and to choose otherwise is to deny His infinite ability to accomplish this in me.  It’s also a bad choice since it will only leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

And why do that when there are so many other heavenly flavors to pick from?

Luke 11:4; 6:27  Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.