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Perhaps you have heard the story of a rebellious son who ran away from home. He got into trouble and was sentenced to prison. As his release date drew near, he wrote home to ask his parents if they would forgive him. If so, would they tie a yellow ribbon around the tree in the front yard? Otherwise, he would not bother to come in. As the bus carrying him neared his home, he saw not just one ribbon but a tree full of yellow ribbons signaling his parents’ compassion and forgiveness. Love and forgiveness originate with God and He urges us to display these qualities to others on a daily basis. Here is how the author of Psalm 103 describes God’s love for us: “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. … His unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” The more we become convinced of God’s love for us, the more we will be willing to show love and kindness to others.
