Imitating God’s Forgiveness

Imitating God’s Forgiveness

Author: Our Daily Bread Ministries May 30, 2026 Duration: 0:00

I used to work with a woman named Madge, who was an amazing cook. “You should taste my pea and ham soup!” she said one day. After replying that I really didn’t like peas, Madge smiled and said, “You will after you try my soup.” The next day she handed me a container of her soup, made especially for me.

“Did you try my soup?” Madge asked me a couple of days later. “I will—soon!” I said, hoping she wouldn’t ask me again. But she did—the next day, and the next. “Don’t leave it too long or it’ll spoil,” she added on the fourth day.

A week later, Madge’s uneaten soup had spoiled and I threw it away. I felt dread as she approached me. “You did try my soup, didn’t you?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “It was . . .  delicious.”

In Ephesians 4, Paul calls us to deal with speech-related sins like angry words (v. 26), unwholesome talk (v. 29), and slander (v. 31). But before these comes a more basic call to “speak truthfully to your neighbor” (v. 25). I had looked at Madge and told her a lie. I knew what I needed to do.

I walked into Madge’s office, confessed my lie, and sheepishly asked for her forgiveness. Madge walked to me and gave me a hug. “Of course I forgive you,” she said. “How could I not, when I know how much God’s forgiven me?”


Each day, Our Daily Bread Podcast offers a quiet moment of reflection grounded in scripture. Produced by Our Daily Bread Ministries, these brief audio readings are more than just a narration of the devotional; they are an invitation to pause and consider how timeless biblical truths connect to the realities of modern life. You'll hear a thoughtful exploration of a passage, often accompanied by a relatable story or personal insight, all designed to make the wisdom of the Bible accessible and practical. This podcast serves as a gentle daily companion for anyone looking to cultivate a deeper, more consistent engagement with their faith amidst a busy routine. It transforms a few minutes of your day into a space for spiritual nourishment and perspective. Whether during a morning commute, a lunch break, or a quiet evening, each episode provides a focused point of connection, encouraging listeners to carry that sense of peace and purpose forward. The consistent, calm delivery and substantive content have made this a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking to integrate faith into their daily rhythm. By meeting listeners where they are, this audio experience faithfully extends the ministry's long-standing mission of providing daily biblical encouragement.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 46

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