sin

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The Healing Power of Forgiveness

October 26, 2026October 14, 2026 krisshetter

^{First published June 13, 2022 as part of the Lessons from Cherith series.}

^“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21

He’d been a drug addict and alcoholic for at least the 35 years I knew him. In fact, this lost uncle was my husband’s main reason for why he never touched drugs in his college days. My husband saw the path of destruction his uncle created throughout their family. This uncle, my mother-in-law’s youngest sibling, took the road so many addicts follow. They demand help, make others feel guilty for not rescuing them, promise to do better, then start the cycle over and over again.

In my visits to my husband’s hometown, we’d have infrequent contact with his uncle. But we would hear of his begging his own mother for money and complaining of how “lucky” and “privileged” everyone else in the family were because they weren’t always so down on their luck. To be fair, this man carried wounds from being the youngest child of an alcoholic and unfaithful father. As for my in-laws, they gave money, moral support, food, and more for much of his life. But after a number of run-ins with the law and intolerable behavior toward my husband’s grandmother, the uncle found himself eventually with backs turned. Enough was enough.

^“Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:22

Let’s face it, we are only human. We get our feelings hurt. We often seek to protect ourselves from harmful relationships. We don’t want to be taken advantage of and have our kindness thrown back at us with vitriol. Like many of Jesus’ expectations for us, the concept of forgiveness is not easy for our sinful human nature. We reach the end of our rope. We feel as though we have no tears left to shed.

I remember when my loving, caring mother-in-law said to me one day a few years ago, “I’m done. I’m tired of being blamed for his problems. I’m tired of being taken for granted that we will always help. I’m angry how he treats our mother.” And honestly, could anyone blame her? But the thing is, I knew deep down she didn’t mean any of it. I knew if her brother came again with hat in hand she would help. Because she knew that Jesus would do the same for her.

^“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

We can be thankful that God has not assigned us the role He gave prophets like Elijah, who were called to proclaim judgment. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people repeatedly turned away from Him despite countless warnings. Yet alongside His warnings came opportunities for repentance. Ultimately, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, not only to proclaim truth but to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. Through Him, we learn that when we seek forgiveness and extend it to others, we experience the healing grace of God.

Jesus does not only desire healing for those who need forgiveness. He also desires healing for those doing the forgiving. When we honestly examine our own lives, we quickly realize how much we ourselves need mercy. We all come before God with empty hands, asking, “One more time, Lord. Please forgive me.” And by His grace, He does.

I’ve been fortunate to witness the healing power of forgiveness in a few people’s lives. My friend Andrea will forever be changed simply by forgiving a family member for past hurts and asking for forgiveness for how she has hurt others. My own relationship with my parents has required me to forgive them. And although the situation can still be painful, I now have the healing strength which forgiveness affords to help me pray for them each day.

^“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

I started this message about a man so broken from addiction. A man who most would say was without hope, without the peace from God. But God is a miracle worker as we all know. So, after another stint in prison about a year ago, my husband’s uncle finally said, “Enough is enough.” He turned to God for forgiveness and healing. When he got the news that his oldest sister was now riddled with cancer he came immediately to be by her side.

We met in the hospital lobby, just the two of us. His eyes were clear, he looked healthy, and there was a peace about him I had never seen before. I took him up to his sister’s room and we sat and chatted. I felt like I should leave the room and give them some alone time when suddenly he took her by the hand and with tears streaming down his face he asked for forgiveness. He asked to be forgiven for the destruction he caused, the pain, and for all the lost years that could’ve been different.

I don’t know if I’ll ever again witness such a beautiful miracle, seeing God’s grace and love transform a room before my eyes.

My mother-in-law thanked him immediately. She said, “I needed to hear this. It hurt so much when you blamed me for your troubles.” And they wept. For the next two weeks I witnessed this man stand guard outside her room, praying and participating in her last days. I listened as he asked the rest of the family for forgiveness. And saw them weep from the healing love of God. I watched as he helped lift his sister’s lifeless body onto the gurney for her final road toward home. He was in pain but was healed. He was washed in sorrow but cleansed from forgiveness. And he knew he was loved.

Who do you need to forgive right now?

Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?

It’s time for healing.

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Gentleness Misunderstood

October 16, 2026October 1, 2026 krisshetter

Originally published June 14, 2023 as part of the Christian Life In Full Bloom series.

When I announced to my non-religious parents many years ago that I was going to start attending church, my mother asked why I needed religion and my father called it a crutch. I responded, “Great, I’ll take two, please!”

I frequently hear similar objections from non-religious people: “Who needs faith? Your religion is just a ‘sky dad,’ I don’t need some fake person to tell me what is right and wrong.” I’ve also heard people say, “Christians just turn their minds off and give themselves over to a made up god. They don’t think for themselves.”

As for the last comment, I would say they are half right. A true and faithful Christian seeks to turn their sinful self “off” and submit heart, mind, body, and soul to the one true God. The world calls that a weakness. In fact, some twist the idea of “meekness” or “gentleness” to mean that very thing: a weakness. When the world calls for self-praise and self-assertion, Christians look instead to God for His will, His love, and His direction.

Meekness is not weakness, for both Moses and Jesus were meek men. The word translated “meek” was used by the Greeks to describe a horse that had been broken. It refers to power under control.” Warren Wiersbe, commentary on Matthew 5:5

The words “meek” and “gentle” come from related Greek words: praus (prah-ooce) and prautes (prah-oo-tace). One is an adjective; the other is a noun. Yet look up “meek” in English and you’ll find definitions such as quiet, gentle, and easily imposed upon. Isn’t that what we tend more to think when we read in the Bible that the meek are to be blessed and inherit the earth? And when we read in Galatians of the fruit of the Spirit, one being “gentleness,” don’t we think of some sweet old person quietly living out their days in obscurity? Someone who probably doesn’t have much of an opinion about anything? And if they did, they certainly wouldn’t voice it!

But wouldn’t that be in conflict with the full picture of Jesus? In the one place where Jesus describes the state of His own heart, He gives us a picture of what we too should mirror – a gentle and humble heart. And yet He was a man who spoke with conviction, clearly addressing sin, judgment, mercy, righteousness, and eternal life. He stood strong and faithful before those who mocked Him. This was meekness: strength under control. More importantly, strength under God’s control.

“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.” John 8:3-8

As a person of action, frequently lacking in gentleness, I had always found this passage so frustrating! I wanted Jesus to look these hypocrites in the eye and tell them off. Put the full strength of God into His words and watch them melt into a puddle of shame. But He squatted down (a look of weakness it would seem) and started doodling. Doodling!! And the world shakes their head at His apparent lack of authority and power. “Here is the God YOU submit to,” they say. “If He had any god-like qualities He would have given them the ‘you’re fired!’ response.”

And yet…

“But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:9-11.

Jesus brushed off His hands and shrugged. No anger needed. No smiting. Just a gentle ripping open of the accusers’ souls. And still the world misunderstands because they are so attached to the sins of pride and self-importance and fleshly pursuits of power.

Friend, the world may call you weak. It may say you’ve surrendered your mind to God. That you’re submissive.

Perhaps the answer is simply, “Thank you for noticing.”

Because if the world can see the fruit, then gentleness has not made you invisible. It has made visible the One to whom you have submitted. And ultimately, it is not the world we seek to please.

Man in traditional robes calmly standing between a woman and a man who are arguing on a city street

A Wisdom That Surprises

July 8, 2026July 7, 2026 krisshetter

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”— Romans 11:33

Think back to the last difficult situation you were faced with. Or even the one approaching. The uncomfortable conversation with a boss or employee. The painful discussion you needed to have with your family member. The awkward topic you decided to broach with your friend. How much sleep did you lose over it? How much worrying did you do?

How much prayer time did you devote to it? And if you said to God, “I trust you to give me the right words and soften the other person’s heart,” did you then go back to worrying about it?

Or how about this: You prayed, you trusted and you saw God do something amazing. Something you never expected. A third option from the terrible two you had only seen available.

Asking for Wisdom

I’m working on this concept constantly these days. Before going into situations that make me uncomfortable or ones where I might make a fool of myself (of which there seems to be many!) I’ve started praying for the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom. And to help me to know when to keep my mouth shut.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5

James was spot on when he wrote this Holy inspired advice. If you don’t know, ask God, who gives us wisdom. He gives us that wisdom from His ever-flowing fount of His own wisdom. A wisdom unmatched by any human being ever to have lived. He gave Solomon his renowned wisdom simply because he asked for it.

“And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.” — 1 Kings 3:28

King Solomon’s subjects stood in amazement at his ability to resolve difficult situations. His notable decision between two women claiming the same child revealed truth through an unexpected solution. He decreed the baby would be cut in half and each piece given to each woman. The real mother gave up her right to the child so the son would live. She pleaded for his life. Which told everyone to whom the child truly belonged.

Jesus’ Third Way

I’ve read that this type of resolution is called the “third way.” I warn you if you look up that term you’ll find some wacky political ideas and unfortunate progressive Christian theories. But hidden amongst those is Jesus’ “third way.”

What I mean by that is on at least four occasions Jesus was given an either/or question and he answered with a better, third option. For example, in John 8, when the Pharisees presented the woman accused of adultery to Jesus, He was tasked with deciding to stone her or let her go. It was a trap designed to reveal Jesus’ rejection of Moses’ law. Instead, Jesus exposed their hypocrisy.

“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

It all ends with the men leaving in shame and Jesus forgiving the woman’s sin. He tells her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

Jesus reveals His “third way” wisdom when asked about taxes to Caeser, the healing on the Sabbath, the man born blind and more. His wisdom is shown in all its glory. Options, which after hearing about them, seem so simple. Yet how often does God’s wisdom surprise us?

Weak vs Powerful Wisdom

We often quote Proverbs 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes – yet we fall back on our own weak wisdom almost daily. We forget to go to the fount and drink deeply. We miss the opportunity to see God at work in miraculous ways.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” — 1 Corinthians 1:25

Throughout the Bible and even in our own lives, we witness weak, apparently ineffectual people being used to further God’s kingdom. David, the tiny son, chosen to lead a nation. Peter, the brash and excitable fisherman, who God calls as His rock on which to build the church. You and me – average people with average skills and influence who regularly make bad decisions – tasked to spread the Gospel.

How can this system ever be successful? Because God is the engine. His wisdom is the power source that lights up our conversations and opens hearts and minds.

That’s the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the people of the Colossian church when he writes:

“…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” — Colossians 2:2-3

Because of God’s wisdom, power and authority the Word of God comes alive and knits us together. His wisdom resolves conflict, distress and pain in our relationships. How can we not plug into that daily?

Trusting in Jesus is our third way wisdom. In our churches, Bible studies, home groups, communities etc, putting our allegiance to Jesus first. Loving each other despite our other differences and watching God work miraculously in each of us.

He Knows Better

Friends, my dad would constantly get stuck fretting over situations because he felt the need and burden to come up with the answers all by himself. I once tried convincing him to go to marriage counseling. He replied, “I know what the problem is already and your mom won’t go.” To which I replied, “You only know the solutions your limited thinking can come up with. Someone outside the situation with wisdom and experience will probably give you a better solution.”

But like so many of us, he just couldn’t get past being wise in his own eyes. And his married life continued to be a source of pain until the day he died. We do the same when we come up with our plan then maybe ask God to make sure it works. To pray that God fixes our difficult person the way we want them fixed.

Let’s make a commitment to trust that God is so much wiser than us. To pray for wisdom be given to us from His great fount. And sit back and watch His miracles and mysteries unfold.

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” — Revelation 7:12

Did you miss a 30 Days of Reverence post? Click here to see all of the ways we can revere our God and Savior!

Want more of God’s wisdom? Check out my series, 31 Days of God’s Wisdom today!

Older shepherd teaching a young man from an open glowing book with sheep grazing in the background

The Shepherd of Truth

July 3, 2026June 25, 2026 krisshetter

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

As a child, I often felt like I was standing on shifting sand. Almost daily my mom would find ways to keep me guessing and questioning myself. I would look outside to decide what to wear to school (long before weather apps), only for my mom to tell me I was completely wrong. If I dressed for heat, she’d insist I needed a jacket. If I wore a jacket, she’d say I’d be too warm.

Sometimes she was right—but often it felt like a game that left me off balance, unsure of what was true. My mother-in-law once asked me why I got into arguments about trivial things with my mom. My response to her was it didn’t matter the topic, if I said the sky was blue my mom would say it was pink.

That constant contradiction shaped me more than I realized. Without a foundation of truth in my early relationships, I struggled to trust there was a truth. As an adult my husband would tease me about being a “woulda, coulda, shoulda” person. The truth and trust never seemed to be within my grasp.

While there certainly are areas where black and white aren’t our only choices, as a Christian we can look to God’s Word for that firm foundation of truth we so desperately need in our lives. Without it we get tossed about on our little life rafts by waves of messages and opinions that come at us from all sides.

“I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.” – Isaiah 45:19

An alarming number of Americans want to pretend we don’t need this stability in our lives. The Truth has become My Truth. Truth becomes relative to the situation or need or feeling. For example, it’s “wrong” to kill an 8 year-old child but “ok “to kill an eight-month old baby in the womb. Simply because “my truth” means “my comfort.”

According to a Gallup Poll done in 2022, only 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of “fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.

I would venture to say that in the 80% that don’t believe the Bible to be the literal Word of God there are quite a few professed Christians counted among them. I know, I’ve met some of them. The truth of God’s Word is manipulated and conformed to affirm whatever sin plays out in the person’s life. The lie becomes a useful pattern to feed our flesh over and over.

But God being the Creator, Sustainer and Perfecter of all that we know is the God of truth. His truth is the foundation from which we can draw on daily. His truth is what brings us into righteousness. When faced with difficult choices, difficult people, tragic circumstances or devasting news, His Word anchors us and directs our steps.

The acceptance and knowledge of God’s truthfulness strengthens the suffering and persecuted saints worldwide. It’s what has given me courage to stand for what is eternally right and to turn from what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. It’s not Kris’ truth I seek, but God’s. His truth may make me uncomfortable and cause me consternation. But I want to stand on something that has weightiness, not something gauzy and flimsy. A truth that has been the truth since the beginning of time.

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” – Psalms 145:13

God’s truthfulness means we have a glorious future awaiting us no matter what we face here in this place. We can live without fear or dread of the “someday.” When Pastor and author Tim Keller and his wife faced his terminal cancer diagnosis he had to decide if he really believed God was truthful in His Word.

“If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, then you know what? Everything is going to be all right. Whatever you’re worried about right now—whatever you’re afraid of—everything is actually going to be okay. . . . If Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, then the whole world is going to be, in a sense, resurrected. . . .

Kathy and I cried a lot together last night. Sometimes the reality of the shortness of what we have left just overwhelms us. . . . [But] if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead—and he was—you’re going to be okay.” Tim Keller

Friends, I realize it’s hard living in this time of “my truth.” It comes at us from our friends, family, the media and our enemies. At times it comes from the church. We need to step back just like Pastor Keller and ask ourselves if we truly believe the Word of God. Then we need to go back to Him for the Truth. And share it courageously with anyone who will listen.

Our God is faithful and true. At times the promises He has made seem so far off and unbelievable. But Scripture—especially the words of the prophets—reveals both present truth and what is still to come.

It’s an undisputed truth that Jesus was a real person. He died for our sins. He said He came as God. He warned us of falling for lies and false teaching and having our heads turned from the Truth.

Let us be among His sheep who stay close to our truthful Shepherd. The One in whom we can trust all things.

I want to leave you today with this quote by Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit.org and the author of the book Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis. His comment is on a survey done in 2022.

“The number of Americans who say there is no absolute truth is alarmingly high. But among young adults, we have now officially passed the tipping point. The majority of youth now say that each person determines their own version of truth. The loss of truth has grave consequences for community, justice, a sense of purpose, and mental health. I’m not aware of any civilization that has abandoned reality to this extent and survived. The good news is that Americans still hold out hope that each person can make a difference. If there ever was a time to stand for truth, it is now.”

Wooden cross on rocky cliff by stormy sea at sunset

The Righteous Judge and the Gracious Savior

June 17, 2026April 20, 2026 krisshetter

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” Jeremiah 23:5-6

^“God made him who had no sin to be sinfor us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Fair play, unselfishness, courage, good faith, honesty, truthfulness, and a respect for human life—what do these have in common? For centuries, many called them the Laws of Nature. Today we’re more likely to file them under “human nature” or “the moral law.” And they often become a stumbling block in conversations with atheists: when you ask where “right” and “wrong” come from, the reply is, “Everyone knows what’s right or wrong!” I suspect people who stop there haven’t thought very deeply about the question.

Not everyone knows how to fix a car engine by simply “knowing.” I can’t walk into an operating room and perform brain surgery—yet we often assume we can define morality without reference to its Creator. You and I can list skills we do and don’t have; some overlap, others don’t. I’m terrible at math and good at writing. My friend is the polar opposite.

Universal Morals

Why do we universally condemn lying, cheating, and murder? Why do we instinctively admire courage and honesty? And why do we sense those virtues aren’t just preferences, but standards we ought to live up to?

“You find out more about God from the Moral Law than from the universe in general just as you find out more about a man by listening to his conversation than by looking at a house he has built…we can conclude that the Being behind the universe is intensely interested in right conduct.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Deep thinking isn’t exactly the “in thing” these days. Our attention is shaped by ten‑second videos and endless scrolling. But let’s slow down for a moment and consider where this human hunger for righteousness comes from.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” – Psalms 89:14

When God created the earth and called it good—very good—he set the standard for what “good” means. He is perfect in righteousness. Imagine there were only one potter in the entire world—and there would only ever be one. Every pot, plate, cup, or vase he makes, he declares perfect, without defect. Who would we be to dispute him? He alone makes pottery; he alone knows it.

But if you’re honest, you’re already imagining an imperfect pot—some blemish the potter “must have” missed. The unskilled, non‑potter quietly assumes he knows better than the expert. Isn’t that what we so often do with God? And isn’t that why we’ve drifted from moral laws that were once widely recognized—broken, yes, but still acknowledged as real and good? Instead, we increasingly encounter what Scripture describes: “those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). In modern terms, we call that being “gaslighted.”

Our Touchstone

When we pretend there is no Creator, we can also pretend there is no touchstone for righteousness. We can flip morality on its head. We can treat human life as disposable. But in the end, there is no escaping the truth so many try to avoid: God is the standard of perfection and righteousness.

That truth is also what separates us from Him. Sin bends our hearts toward pride—toward living beyond the gifts God has given us. We’re told, “Who are you to judge?” Our answer should be, “We won’t—but he will.”

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.– James 4:12

And friends, here is the beauty of the gospel—the love behind it, and the reason God sent his only Son. He knows the truth behind Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount:

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

Oh, those “righteous” Pharisees. On the outside they worked hard to clean up their acts and appear holy. On the inside, they were soiled—just like us. They refused (and many still refuse) to see that the only way to stand before a perfect God is for God Himself to provide the sacrifice for our sins. Only through Him—the true standard of righteousness—can we be clothed in white.

The moral law, written on our hearts, isn’t something dreamed up by a politician, preacher, or parent. It is God’s imprint on our hearts and minds—a direct reflection of who He is. And He is very, very good.

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4

Jesus holding a child's hand walking on a meadow path surrounded by flowers and trees

Perfect Patience for Imperfect People

June 5, 2026April 15, 2026 krisshetter

“The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression;” Numbers 14:18

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

When my youngest daughter, now 28, was a toddler I found myself praying the same prayer every day throughout the day. “Lord, give me patience!” At times I prayed in exasperation but often I prayed through tears. She is a lovely young woman, now with toddlers of her own; a woman full of love for the Lord.

As a child, however, she was relentlessly busy—emptying cupboards, climbing counters to reach what I had forbidden, and leaving toys in my path. Rarely idle and endlessly creative, she moved with a confidence that suggested my “no” simply meant I hadn’t yet understood her reasoning.

A friend who was never going to have children once told me to not break her spirit. Teachers loved her wit and creativity even in Kindergarten. I responded to them, “You don’t have to live with her.” She always wanted more – more things, more activities, more of me, more, more, more. I loved and love her dearly but I was at my own wit’s end most days when she was little.

More Than Just Patience

One Sunday our pastor at the time spoke the words I so desperately needed. “If you keep asking for the same thing from God over and over and you aren’t seeing any fruit, then maybe it’s time to ask for something different.” In that moment I realized I wasn’t praying wrong – I was praying too narrowly. I had been fixated on patience as if it were something God handed out in isolation, rather than part of a much richer work He was doing in me.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

You find “patience” nestled right in the middle of the fruits of the Spirit. But surrounding it are so many other good gifts He provides. I started asking for God to help me release those other aspects of the Holy Spirit. I needed to slow down, be kind, have joy in what He had blessed me. Instead of demanding, I started co-working with my daughter. I sat calmly with her talking about trust and my desire for her safety. Patience came to me through other gifts.

His Patience Is His Mercy

This struggle with patience didn’t just shape my parenting—it reshaped how I see justice, mercy, and grace. We should all seek to be patient and merciful to others as God has so graciously done for us throughout our years. It’s why Christians must push back against the concept of “karma.” You notice most people who invoke the idea do so in glee of someone else’s suffering? And yet we all deserve some sort of punishment, probably every day. For things we said, thought or did or for those things we didn’t.

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18

The LORD has been patient with this world for millennium. He promised never to flood the earth again with His wrath against sin and evil. Instead, He sent prophets armed with His Word to warn people and to plead with people to trust in Him and Him only. He even sent His son to take our punishment we so rightly deserve.

“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.“ 1 Timothy 1:16

Friend, His patience is a perfect gift for us imperfect people. We should never say we can’t come to Him because of our failures. He is waiting for us to seek Him so He can lavish us with forgiveness. He doesn’t grow weary in His waiting. However, we are promised that one day the waiting period will be over. We will all face His eternal justice.

When non-believers question, “Where is your God?” We can faithfully answer that He is in the midst of us, patiently waiting for them to repent. For now, we thank Him for the patience He shows us and the unbelievers we love. We can thank Him too for the patience He has gifted us through the Holy Spirit.

As for me and my daughter I can be so thankful for how patient He has been to both of us. Thankful for how much He has loved us. He has blessed us with a beautiful relationship filled with joy.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

Antique brass balance scale with metal weights on one side and a stone heart on the other

God Is Just—So We Can Forgive

May 15, 2026May 13, 2026 krisshetter

“Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.” – Proverbs 29:26

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

Back in 2009, 14-year old Amber Dubois disappeared walking to school one morning in a town to the north of me. There were few clues as to her whereabouts. She was even considered by some in law enforcement to have been a runaway. But in less than a year, another teenager, Chelsea King, a 17-year old from an even closer town, disappeared while on a training run. Many of us joined search parties that seemed to last for days. Chelsea’s brutal killer was finally captured when, while evading police, he sat down for a meal at a local Mexican restaurant. The waitress recognized him from news reports as a person of interest.

Thankfully for Amber’s mother, Chelsea’s murderer confessed to both killings and revealed Amber’s location. A story that all too often happens across the world today. Young women brutalized and left for dead by evil people.

I share this story because when the killer was brought before the courts both sets of parents shared something which shocked many. Something that without knowing a just God would be difficult to accept.

“I got the answers about her last moments that I wanted … I forgave him because I had another daughter to raise, and if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to live,” said Amber’s mother, Carrie Cave. But it wasn’t only her who forgave the man, Chelsea’s parents did as well.

Limits To Forgiveness?

About a year later while I was in a church home group, we discussed the Christian idea of forgiveness. These terrible murders became the topic. One member stated emphatically, “I think they’re lying (the parents). There is absolutely no way they can or I could forgive that man. Ever.” Yet Jesus, while bleeding and beaten, in agonizing pain on the cross looked down at His tormentors and murders and pleaded with God.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34

So how is it that as believers we can forgive the slights, the maliciousness, the cruel or even the evil done to us or those we love? How can we forgive when we have been wronged by a friend, a spouse or family member? We forgive because we should know in our hearts that God is just. He has forgiven us all our slights and taunts and disrespect we have done to Him because a sacrifice was made in our place. We aren’t forgiven without a penalty being wrought.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7

When we forgive, we say two things to God: 1) thank you for forgiving me my sins and 2) I trust that justice will be done. That what a man sows, he will reap. Throughout the Old Testament we see God’s justice in the sacrifices and penance of the Jews. We do wrong, and someone must pay. Our bull escapes and injures someone so He created the penance needed for restoration.

He never asks us to seek vengeance. He reminds us that vengeance is God’s and His alone. Even the death penalty for committing murder was to first be proven by three witnesses beyond reproach. And the subsequent death for the offender was not to be seen as our justice, but God’s. A purposeful death of one of His own requires the ultimate payment. And forgiveness towards that person on our part never meant excusing evil or removing legal consequences.

All Will Be Judged

One day everyone will stand before God and our lives taken into account. It’s not “kharma” or some tit for tat. If we accept the blood shed for us by Jesus as our covering for sins, our names are written into the Book of Life. If we don’t there’s only one other path – hell. We can argue as to what that might look like for different people, but I can guarantee that it’s not any place we want to be.

Friends, the world’s sense of justice and forgiveness, especially that which we’ve seen emerge in the last 15 years or so, doesn’t really look much like God’s justice. That’s because we are all first children of the evil one, led astray to do works against God’s plan. Black, white, brown, male, female, rich or poor – all of us were dead in our trespasses against Him. All of us were lined up for wrath.

I once slogged my way through Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s, “The Cost of Discipleship.” For much of it you find yourself in a deep study of Jesus’ words on the Sermon on the Mount. With each chapter I would become a bit despondent. Because to truly follow Jesus’ words would be impossible. Just like following the 10 Commandments convicted the Israelites. Bonhoeffer says in his book:

“When we come before God with hearts full of contempt and unreconciled with our neighbors, we are individually and as a congregation worshipping an idol.”

You see without a full and complete submission to our Lord Jesus Christ our lives are filled with unjust, evil thoughts and works. New “social justice” says only the rich or the white man, the straight person or the Christian, commits atrocities and therefore must be punished. But God says we all deserve death. His standard of righteousness and justice is higher than any of ours. Completely unattainable on our own. His mercy towards us in our failures isn’t pretending sin didn’t happen; justice is dealt with by God at the cross or at His judgement seat.

So, when as Christians we say, as the one home group member stated so proudly, we can never forgive someone, how should God then view us if He is a God of justice? When we say the Lord’s prayer do we really believe it? That God will mete out justice to those who not only haven’t sought forgiveness from our Righteous God but also refuse to pass on the forgiveness we have been gifted?

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us.” — Matthew 6:9-15

A Full Life or A Life Full of Bitterness?

The murder of someone I cherish is something I hope to never experience. Because I know if I do, I’ll be faced with this difficult question. Will I accept that God’s justice is all I need to forgive? As Amber’s mom so rightly pointed out, we need to forgive or else we cannot fully live. And Bonhoeffer says we then worship something other than God.

The unbeliever blinks at us in confusion, thinking we aren’t in pain over what someone has done to us because we forgive. We, however, know God has already forgiven us much and the justice we so crave, if needed one day, will find it at the foot of God’s throne.

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:4

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” – Psalms 89:14

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The Generosity of God

April 22, 2026April 18, 2026 krisshetter

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:16

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

In the “Finding Nemo” movie, the seagulls were given an easy line to recall: “Mine! Mine! Mine!” If you’ve ever sat with your lunch at the beach, you’ll see this scene come to life. A seagull will beat out even small children for that half-eaten sandwich you left uncovered.

I’m reminded of that scene when I hear someone fixate on what others have instead of trusting God’s provision. A desire for what someone else has earned is scarcity thinking, folks. A thinking that sets us far apart from God’s world.

From the very beginning God gave humans everything we could ever need. He created us and therefore knew what would bring us nourishment, joy and rest. Even as the Israelites wandered in the desert He was generous with food to sustain them. When they needed water, He made rocks overflow with fresh clean water.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Our generous God sees it before we need it. Now when I say that, your mind might jump to that new dress, fancy car, dashing young man (or woman). While He may provide those to you, His generosity has more depth than fleshly desires.

The Bible reminds us to ask with His will in mind, not ours. I didn’t always understand this kind of generosity until God confronted me with my own misplaced hopes. I once believed that moving to a lake house would solve my anxiety and health struggles. When financial hardship struck instead, God revealed that my dream had become an idol. In letting go, I began to see His generosity more clearly: a stronger marriage, deeper prayer life, richer friendships, and unexpected peace.

That financial situation drew my husband and I closer together. My husband began leading us in prayer nightly. My Bible study time deepened. Friendships grew fonder. And peace came from a whole different place than I’d imagined. God generously provided what I truly needed.

God’s Gifts vs The World’s

When we define God’s blessing based on worldly wants, He comes across as stingy. The God of the Bible is much bigger and more generous than we can imagine. We are chastised for not having because we don’t even think to ask. Peace in our relationships, joyfulness, forgiveness towards others, a sense of purpose – those are some of the higher gifts He pours over our hearts and minds. Gifts He then wants us to turn over to others in generosity.

Yes, He has also blessed me with a wonderful home, food to eat, finances that allow me to travel and more. But those things are blessing far beyond what we all really need. The ultimate gift He has so generously gifted is His Son, Jesus Christ. His blood was shed in forgiveness of our sins so we may have an eternal relationship with the God of the universe. A gift we could never earn through our performance. A gift He hands to us with great sacrifice and without us lifting a finger.

He gives each day our daily bread which nourishes our souls. When I’m feeling disconnected from the Holy Spirit, I remind myself to list the generous ways He has showered me and my family.

Friend, God is not stingy. He is generous. Generous with His love and forgiveness. Generous with His blessings and provision. Come to Him and ask. And when you ask, ask with the right motives as James guides us. Ask for the small and the impossible.

Dear God,

Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen

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Our Wise and Sanctified Souls

May 26, 2025May 25, 2025 krisshetter

"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Jude 1:20-21

You began your journey on the road of the sanctified life by professing your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. You may not even have realized what that meant but, you took the step. You began reading your Bible, going to church, seeking others of faith. Your Knowledge Basket filled little by little. Your soul became refreshed and watered at rest stops along the road by the Word.

The inevitable pothole leaps out at you suddenly. You may even veer off the road a bit. Your soul takes a beating with heartache and loss. Your sins become a glaring, flashing red light. But you look in your Trials Basket and remember God will never leave you or forsake you. (Deut 31:68) You recall Him telling us to ask in His will and you shall receive. (Matt 7:7-9)

The verses you so carefully plucked and memorized tell you the Holy Spirit is your strength and He has a plan for good. We learn such jewels from Proverbs as, “Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” (Prov 26:11)

You pick up and dust off your bruised soul and get back on the path, gathering experience after experience. Confirming over and over the truth of God’s Word. The truth that He sees you and knows every hair on your head. (Luke 12:7) You remember each time a new pothole jumps at you to pray for His hand on your life. You affirm to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5)

You come to a fork in the road. To the left you see what appears to be an open, empty road. It’s just you and the path. It looks so easy to take. To the right you see broken down souls trudging outside the path. Ones who are weary and thirsty; ones who are lost. Ones who are being deceived. Souls who are in need. But you also see the Holy Spirit ahead, like a busy traffic cop beckoning you forward.

You must ask yourself, “Do I turn left, lock my doors and enjoy the blessing of salvation by myself?” Or, do I choose to submit myself to the entirety of God’s teaching? Will you choose to fill your Stewardship Basket? To love your neighbor, to share the Gospel with your family and friends, to give your time, talents and treasure to those in need for the glory of God? (Matt 22:39)

God’s path calls for us to submit ourselves wholly to Him – not just part. The “easy path” so often doesn’t turn out all that easy. It’s a mirage, set up by the devil to deceive. James tells us a partial faith is “double mindedness.” (James 1:8) And that person shouldn’t expect anything from God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” It means we take all God has gifted us and we turn it back into glorifying Him to others in need.

As our soul matures along this road, we choose. Yes, we choose which fork to take. We choose to submit every sin, every action, every word, every need and every gift for His Kingdom. When we do, God continues filling our Submission Basket with new experiences and new revelations. We trust in Him and He gifts us the best road trip snacks – peace and the security of our eternal future.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3-4

My friends, humans are the only created beings to which God has blessed this amazing opportunity of sanctification. The animal kingdom obeys God’s plan instantly upon birth. They do what they are made to do. Yet, those actions are limited in scope. We have so much more opportunity to glorify God with what He has given us!

God has placed us on this road to travel and gather. Each mile marker brings us new insight into Him, the world, and the adversary. Wisdom is not a far off mirage. No, the jewels of wisdom sit firmly in our baskets which have been gathered along the way.

“Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.

I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.

I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:98-106

One day I will be an “old soul.” Right now, however, I’m working my way down the road of life. Making mistakes and re-submitting my life to Christ each day. Forgetting to pray and rely on God’s sovereignty then having a friend ask me, “Have you prayed about that?”

I can feel my soul growing wiser, growing more at peace. I want my roots to run deep in His Word so I bear good fruit for others to enjoy along the path. (Matt 7:17-18) But most of all I want to be ever thankful that Jesus took it upon Himself to build this path toward the heavenlies.

A Path Freely Given

He didn’t have to. We need to remember that fact when others abuse what Jesus did for us. When they complain when we re-affirm Jesus is the only Way. God didn’t have to make a way at all. Not only did He build it, He gave us the full recipe, He gave us a guide. All so we can make it safely home.

As I write this my 86 year old, cancer riddled, atheist dad has come to live with us before he travels his final path. I’ve had many friends concerned for how hard this will be. It is hard at times. Especially at 2:00 am when bed clothes and sheets need changing. Or when I must choose to forgo activities dear to me. But I am at peace.

I realized this the other day. It’s a peace I’ve prayed for a lot in my life. I never expected during a trial such as this that peace would be what God gifted me on this road.

The other day, I took my dad for his first ever mani/pedi experience to fix his old crusty toenails. He loved it. When I sent my Bible study sisters a photo of him in the salon, one commented: “I love that you are loving on your dad this way! A foot washing like Jesus would do today!”

It struck me that I have been sanctified for a time such as this. (Esther 4:14) Blessed with the opportunity to take the fork to the right and share the love, mercy and salvation message of Jesus Christ with my father.

My friends, I pray that you too will have many opportunities to do the same.

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Our final question: What’s the best lesson you have learned so far on your sanctification journey?

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It’s Not You, It’s Him

March 10, 2025March 4, 2025 krisshetter

Philippians 1:6  “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

In a survey done a few years ago about what Christians believe, more than half (55%) agree that “everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.” I have to assume that when people answer questions like this, they’re thinking specifically about themselves and people they love. Because friend, if you believe this you haven’t poked your head outside in a while, like a long, long while. You haven’t been to a kid’s sports event. Apparently, you were asleep during the great toilet paper crisis of 2019. That’s just the small stuff. If you really want to know how good we humans are, read up on your national and international news. War, rampant fraud, poverty, murders, rapes, greed – getting the true picture of all that goodness?

Christians who believe they are basically good then must erase the need for Jesus. I suppose this error still works for that 55% since the survey also found that almost half (44%) say that Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God. Thus, we don’t need anyone to come and save us from our sins, right? We don’t need anyone to clean us up, clothe us in majesty so we can stand righteously before the One True God.

That definitely wasn’t the prophet Isaiah when He was brought before God. Isaiah 6:5 shows us his situation — “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

Isaiah, when brought before God, saw how unworthy he truly was when compared to our Holy and Majestic God. My friends, it’s not until we realize we are just as unclean can the clean-up truly begin.

When we do, so many of us start working really, really hard at getting “cleaned up.” We clean and we clean. And like Lady Macbeth we cry out, ““Here’s yet a spot,” she cries, desperately rubbing. “Here’s the small drop of blood still.”” Her sin caused such guilt and shame she sleepwalks constantly washing her hands.

Oh, we may fool ourselves into thinking how much better we are for having gone (or thought about going) to church a few times, or even regularly. In fact, our piousness may ooze out of our pores. We give to the right causes (just enough not to hurt) and are righteously offended by other’s not-so-godly behavior. We volunteer (or at least we want to) and we wear our symbols of our faith. But still that spot won’t come out.

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? .... But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

If you recall my first post, “The Coat of the Holy Spirit” I wrote about three phases of sanctification:

You were sanctified (Justification)
You are being sanctified (Sanctification or Made Holy)
You will be sanctified (Glorification)

Of these, which are you to keep scrubbing away to get those spots out? This is, of course, a trick question. It’s all Him, not you. All He asks is for you to listen, trust and obey His Word.

So how have we been sanctified? By the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. He chose you before time began. Only the blood of Christ satisfies the requirement God has to give the guilty mercy and grace. Remember, we are ALL sinners. We all deserve death and eternal separation from the Most Holy God. The gift of Christ was given freely because “God so loved the world…” John 3:16.

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13

You are being sanctified right now, even by reading this post! You are gaining wisdom (I hope), which was given by Christ to the disciples — to generations since, to me, pastors, teachers, fellow believers — imparted to you! The Holy Spirit, imputed to you by Christ, is living inside you opening your heart, your mind, your eyes and ears to God’s Word and promises.

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” 1 Peter 1:3

Lastly, you will be sanctified when we see Christ again and rise from the dead, fully healed, fully restored as God has planned since creation. How beautiful is that? A gift from our Creator to those who simply believe.

So, who is responsible for making us holy? The short answer is always Jesus. When we love Him, we desperately want to obey Him, to please Him with our love.

Thank you, LORD, for doing the work for us. For not having us make endless, pointless sacrifices to try and wash the spots off our souls. For being the only True God who loves us so much that He died for us. No other man-made gods have done the same. That is love. And for that we can be eternally grateful. Amen

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

This week’s question: Do you struggle with the word “obedience?” Why do you think God calls us to obedience to Him?