How Many Chances the Lord Gives Us

I have a student whom I will call Dina. She is very intelligent, likes to work, and delights in trying different strategies to solve problems in math class. She is 10 years old. But she has some serious flaws in her character

: she is aggressive, does not know how to resolve conflicts through dialogue and instead mistreats others, and did not understand the importance of respecting authorities (“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities…” Romans 13:1). Perhaps this does not seem unusual to you among children, since she is not the only student with these problems; however, after 9 months of guiding her in these areas, she still refuses to accept responsibility for her actions.

Last week she came to my class with her older sister, carrying a very well-written note asking me to allow her to change her recess schedule so she could rehearse for a talent show. Unfortunately, the day before, her behavior had been extremely inappropriate, and she had lost recess. When I read the note, I looked her in the eyes and asked whether she thought she deserved that privilege; she thought about it, remembered what had happened the day before, and told me, “No.” Then I said to her, “Well, perhaps you need another opportunity. If your behavior improves, we may be able to make arrangements, but you cannot go today.” I noticed her disappointment, but she also acknowledged her mistake once again. I thought this lesson would help her and encourage her to recognize the need to develop the self-control we have discussed hundreds of times throughout the year.

Unfortunately, during recess she got into another fight with another girl and almost hit her, had her classmates not intervened. To tell the truth, I became angry, and I mentioned her request, which she had forgotten about, and told her that her poor decision would prevent her from joining her friends in the talent show. I reminded her how many times we had discussed the importance of exercising self-control and using the strategies we had talked about so much. She was moved and cried. It seems to me that, for the first time, she understood the meaning of the consequences of our actions and of making wrong decisions.

I always reflect on my students’ conflicts and problems, seeking divine illumination. Then I remembered how many opportunities the Lord has given me. I do not even deserve salvation, and although I am saved and know His will, I fail Him, and He forgives me again until I finally understand after making mistakes numerous times. His mercy is infinite, and He has never given me what I deserve; on the contrary, He offers me His love and forgiveness and always receives me. Now, what is important is that I learn the teachings of His Word, because although He forgives me, I must suffer the consequences of my poor decisions (“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6:23).

Tomorrow I am going to allow her to attend her rehearsal, without any further explanations or exhortations, but in faith that all the conversations we have had will become a reality in her life and, above all, that she will learn the meaning of grace and mercy.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people who will read this account and who are struggling with weaknesses of character or perhaps sins they have been unable to leave behind. In the name of Jesus, I declare understanding of Your principles and of the importance of obeying Your Word and Your commands. Thank You, because it is by Your grace (“But by the grace of God I am what I am” 1 Corinthians 15:10) and through Your love that I can recognize my weaknesses and claim the help of Your Spirit to walk in integrity before You. I release self-control and strength to fight against everything that opposes communion with You. I give You endless thanks for Your love, grace, and mercy, and help us to become more like You by extending grace to those around us, especially our families. In the glorious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus.