By: Obourba.

If there were no second chances, what an unhappy and shattered world this would be. Since we mortals will inevitably make our mistakes, commit our sins and wrong those about us, every living, breathing person desperately needs a second chance. In a life time we will need hundreds, if not thousands of second chances during our life-time.

We need second chances in our family relationships. What is more tragic that close relatives who are alienated because one or other has failed in some duty, wronged or offended the other. Many a person has died of a broken heart because a loved one refused to give them a second chance.

In marriage, people need second chances. It is a rare situation for a couple to spend years together without one or both of them offending or wounding the feelings of the other. Where there's the willingness to forgive and grant a second chance, most marriages can be saved from the divorce court. In pursuing ones carrier there will be occasions when a person will need a second chance. A business partner may feel we have treated him unfairly. A worker may make a serious, even a costly mistake. With a second chance he may be able to redeem himself and go on to be a useful, productive employee. A customer may feel you have failed him in some way. As a salesman or proprietor of a company you desperately need his business. You will pray, hope and plead for a second chance.

Most of us will occasionally find ourselves stopped by a law-officer for some violation of the traffic code. Facing the possibility of a court appearance, a costly fine, an increase in our car insurance, we hope the officer will be gracious and give us a second chance.

When we were in school and did badly on a test or exam, we asked our teacher for a second chance. We explained our situation or circumstances that interfered with our preparation. We pled that we did not understand what to expect. All we wanted was one more chance to pass the exam. Even in such mundane activities as recreation and sports, when we make mistake or fail most of us will plead for a second chance.

Every person who finds himself convicted of a crime and sentenced to confinement, prays the parole board will give him a second chance. When he is released, he hopes that friends and family will give him another chance. Hopefully he can find an employer who will give him an opportunity to recover himself.

Of all the cases wherein we especially need a second chance in our relationship with God our creator. As giver of our lives, our provider and protector, as our judge, He (God) has the right to expect a certain standard of behaviour of us. When we fail to comply with His will we are guilty of transgression(1John 3:4).He had shown us the two destinies that stand before us.

For His faithful servants there's blissful immortality with Him in heaven. For stubborn, rebellious sinners there is punishment in a place called Hell. Since we all sin and fall short of glory of God, we desperately need a second chance(Romans 3:23); in fact a multitude of second chances. That is what the life and death of Jesus was all about. He made it possible for us to have forgiveness and a second chance so we can be reconciled to God (Colossians 1:21-23). This is the theme of the timeless story of the prodigal son. He acted selfishly and foolishly. He turned his back on his loving Father, choosing a life of sordid indulgence. He fell to the depths of moral corruption, broke, broken and humiliated, he made his journey back to his father. At best he hoped for food and shelter. His father extended mercy and forgiveness, welcoming him home without lecture or penalty. He gave him a second chance.( See the Gospel according to Luke 15:11-32).

Not only do we need second chance from others, we need to extend such chances to those with whom we associate. Not to forgive is a heavy burden to bear. It can eat at us like an ulcer. Not to forgive robs us of some of our most cherished relationships. It can isolate us, make us bitter and miserable. It is a law of life that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). The unforgiving person will live and die unforgiven, alienated and unhappy. Jesus said “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt 6:14). Whatever your past record, hopefully from this day forward you will be known as the man or woman who offers second chances. To God be the glory. By: Obourba Asante Taado.