`I did that too’

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. — 1 Timothy 1:15

Our friend Barbara Leavitt loved flowers. Her home was a garden of rare beauty and sweet fragrance, and so was her life. Her presence was like a delightful bouquet.

Barbara went to be with the Lord in 2005, but something happened a few days before she died that I will never forget. My wife and I were sitting at her bedside with other friends telling stories about our childhood when I mentioned that I had once stolen some flowers. There was a park between the elementary school I attended and our home. One day, while walking through the park, I saw a row of irises in bloom and cut several to take to my mother. Some older boys saw me and threatened to call the police. I lived in terror for weeks thinking they would come and take me away.

Barbara placed her hand over mine and murmured softly, “ I did that too.” I thought, That should be my response when I see the sins of others or hear about them — “I did that too.” Perhaps I’ve not committed their particular sin, but all sin is blameworthy and requires God’s forgiveness.

Awareness of our own depravity is what John Newton called “the root of perpetual tenderness.” I don’t want to be like the ungrateful servant in Matthew 18. I want to be gracious and show mercy, for “I did that too.” — David Roper

Teach me to feel another’s woe,

To hide the fault I see;

The mercy I to others show;

That mercy show to me. — Pope

READ:  Matthew 18:23-33

We can show mercy to others because God has shown mercy to us.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 66-67

• Romans 7