Forgotten Grace - Sarah Lynn Phillips

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:13

Deep into a project, I jumped at the sound of the door bell. “Who on earth?” When I saw Lisa, my pulse raced, and I felt weak. I had agreed to pick up her daughter, Grace, from preschool at 11:30. It was 12:15.

I offered a heartfelt apology, as Lisa hurried to retrieve the forgotten child. I regretted my mistake because I’m overly conscientious. My gift is a knack for details all neatly penned in a day timer. How could I have forgotten Grace? My oversight haunted me for days. Finally, I emailed Lisa, again expressing my remorse and how sorry I was.

Her response soon found its way to my inbox. Gracious words filled up an entire paragraph about what she appreciated about our friendship and how blessed she was God had put me in her life. She ended with, “So, I have not given last week another thought, and I don’t want you to either.”

Tears slipped down my cheeks. I’d let my friend down, but she forgave me with no intention of allowing it to damage our relationship. I had forgotten Grace, but Lisa did not. She graced me with kindness.

Ephesians 4 elbowed its way into my mind. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

To forgive is to cancel a debt. I owed Lisa a follow-though on my word but she shredded my “IOU” and offered forgiveness instead—just as God in Christ also forgave.

If we were only perfect . . . but we’re not. We all make mistakes. Our faults often cause unfortunate consequences, inconvenience, and pain. And though there’s a place for confrontation and accountability, there’s also a time when the tenderhearted offerings of forgiveness and grace demonstrate a greater way.

When I’m wronged or overlooked I want to recall God’s ultimate model of undeserved mercy and aspire to follow Lisa’s example. I know firsthand what a difference remembering grace and giving second chances can have on a relationship. Which reminds me: I’m babysitting Grace next week. Her name is circled in red in my day timer!

Sarah Lynn Phillips, and her husband Barry, live in northeastern Pennsylvania and have been married for thirty years. They have three daughters. Sarah is a freelance writer and the editor of The Women’s LINK, a seasonal newsletter for the women in her church and community. She enjoys homemaking, reading, and quilting.Read Sarah's devotions.

The Ultimate Paper Route Deal - Sarah Lynn Phillips

“He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:6

“I’ll deliver your papers tomorrow morning, if you’ll sleep in.”


Our middle daughter stifled a yawn, then grinned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best!”

Here and there, my husband finds ways to help our children in a manner that demonstrates his love for them and shows a sensitivity to their needs. His acts of thoughtfulness have become lovingly known as “paper route deals.”

One winter day, our youngest child stayed home from school because of illness. Between doses of medicine, fluids, and quiet, we enjoyed a cozy time of reading stories and chatting. That evening, I read to her from the Psalms. I was half way through Psalm 37 when Elisabeth interrupted me.

“What does ‘righteous’ mean?”

“What short word do you see?” I pointed out the verse.

Leaning over to look, she said, “Right.”

“Other words to use would be ‘just’ or ‘right’ with God.” I paused. “Can you be righteous?”

She shook her head. “No.”

I explained that God knew we couldn’t be righteous on our own, so He found a way to provide His righteousness for us. He demonstrated His love when He sent His Son, Jesus, the sinless Savior, to take our sins upon Himself. When we believe in Him, we are given God’s righteousness.

“Listen to this,” I said to my daughter. I slowly read from Second Corinthians: “For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

She was quiet, lost in thought, then looked up at me with a smile. “That’s a paper route deal!”

My daughter’s acceptance of her daddy’s acts of love made me smile. Her relationship with him was strengthened, and she wanted to please him more than ever. In a much more significant way, our heavenly Father offers us His righteousness in exchange for our sin. He desires nothing more than our grateful acceptance and trust, and an intimate relationship with His children. He blesses us with His grace on a daily basis. God gives us the ultimate “paper route deal” and so much more!

“Thank you, dear Lord. You’re the best!”


Sarah Lynn Phillips, and her husband Barry, live in northeastern Pennsylvania and have been married for thirty years. They have three daughters. Sarah is a freelance writer and the editor of The Women’s LINK, a seasonal newsletter for the women in her church and community. She enjoys homemaking, reading, and quilting.