Words to Treasure
They must admit they have committed a sin. They must pay in full for what they did wrong. And they must add a fifth of the value to it.
Numbers 5:7
The lifeguard sat Cody down in the office. “Last time you were here you vandalized our picnic table.”
Cody didn’t want to make eye contact. “Yes, sir. You took away my season’s pass. But I’m really sorry. I saved up my allowance to pay for the damage.” Cody gave him a big jar full of money. “And I was wondering if I could get my pass back and still swim here.” Was it Cody’s imagination or did the lifeguard start looking a little nicer? Maybe it was just around the eyes.
“We usually don’t let vandals back in the park. But I think you made a mistake, and I’m going to give you one more chance. You can have your pass back.”
Cody jumped up and started shaking the lifeguard’s arm off. “Thank you! From now on you’ll have no problems with me. I promise.”
“Good. Stop shaking my arm.”
Cody released him. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
When you make mistakes, the best thing for you to do is to talk to the person you wronged. You’ll be surprised how one talk can give you a second chance to make things right. God’s a big believer in giving people second chances, and you should be too.
People in Bible Times
Samson made a few whopper mistakes in his life, but he prayed to God for help one more time. God answered by giving Samson back his strength for one last battle. Samson pushed down his enemy’s temple with one mighty muscle-bulging push. (See Judges 16.)