Giving Others a Second Chance

Who among us does not need or appreciate a second chance?

As human beings, we have all made mistakes. We are not perfect and we need the grace of forgiveness. The Lord Jesus Himself gave us a new opportunity through His sacrifice on the cross. We who once wasted our lives in sin have now received new life in Christ.

Yet do we realize that we often forget to give others a second chance? Why is it that we who have been forgiven are instead reluctant to extend forgiveness to others?

Mark and Onesimus

We can see the story of a second chance in the lives of two disciples of Christ named Mark and Onesimus.

“I am sending him together with Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that has happened here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions; welcome him, if he comes to you.” (Colossians 4:9-10)

Mark and Onesimus had both once run away. Onesimus fled after doing wrong to Philemon, his master, while Mark left the missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas.

Yet the mistakes they made were not the end of everything. Just like Jonah who ran from the mission of warning Nineveh about the wrath of God, these two fugitives were eventually used in ministry for the Kingdom of God. They were forgiven, received back, and blessed with strength to carry out their task.

This is proof of how great the mercy of a second chance is.

Give others a second chance and make the best use of your own

We too may have experienced spiritual flight. Even though we may appear spiritual, at times we can run from promises, responsibilities, or flee because we feel uneasy about the wrong we have done. Countless are the promises we have broken before Him, and the repeated sins into which we keep falling. Yet our God is a God who gives a second chance. He is gracious and most forgiving.

May God's kindness not be treated lightly or misused. Instead, let us realize that whatever we do and enjoy happens solely because of the gift of a second chance.

So if we who are sinful are restored and made holy because of the chance given by God Himself, why should we not give that to others?

The Lord Jesus Himself taught in the Lord's Prayer:

“And forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12)

Brothers and sisters, the greatest spiritual gift we can give to others is a second chance. How many lives have been changed by that goodness of God. We all need it, so let us give it to others while making the most of the opportunity we have.

A second chance should make us better than before

Mark and Onesimus made good use of their second chance.

Mark, who had once left Paul and Barnabas, instead became one of the few who remained faithful in spreading the gospel in those days. They became better people and brought blessing to many.

They don’t take it for granted.

So, do not waste second chance we have, and do not think there will still be another opportunity. Use it now and fight as though it were our last chance.

Giving a second chance shows spiritual maturity

When our parents, friends, or coworkers forgive us for actions that have hurt them, what do we feel?

Perhaps we are moved; we are grateful for the forgiveness and love they have shown us.

The Lord Jesus said, “Her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

Those who generously give others a second chance are those who have deeply experienced and made use of it from God. That is proof of a person's spiritual maturity.

So, can we imagine what that person might become because of the second chance we give or do not give them?

Prayer: Father, how many second chances You have granted to us. Not only a second, but perhaps already the two-thousandth and the two-millionth for us. Give us hearts full of love, so that we may give that chance to those who have wronged us. Amen.

Edited from the article "Mark and Onesimus - Two Stories of Flight and One Second Chance" by Rev. Togar Sianturi.

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