Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?
I am one of the many people who drive faster than the speed limit, especially on highways. I have never gotten a ticket for speeding, though I certainly have deserved one. It is well known that you won’t be stopped if you drive within five mph or so of the speed limit, and I take advantage of that. Other people drive 10-15 mph over the limit, so I tell myself I’m good!
The one time I ever got a ticket was for failing to stop at a red light. I was with my husband, though we weren’t yet married. We were following another car on our way to a coworker’s house when the light turned yellow. As I was slowing down to stop, Kent told me to go so we wouldn’t lose them. Of course, a police officer was there!
And yes, I have unintentionally broken traffic laws. Going down unfamiliar streets, I have failed to see a stop sign or a reduced speed limit sign. I have unintentionally gone the wrong way down a one-way street, which can be terrifying!
The topic of breaking laws makes me think of everyday grace, the undeserved favor we show one another. Just as the police extend grace to traffic law breakers every day, most of us extend grace to others every day for minor annoyances. We are even more merciful when people unintentionally do something wrong.
Sometimes, we take everyday grace for granted, don’t we? When I speed, I am breaking the law. The police have the right to fine me for going even one mph over the limit.
God is even more merciful than we are. He does not treat us as we deserve to be treated. He is compassionate and gracious.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:8-10
Innermost Being 