My 5 year-old granddaughter recently asked her Mom to tell her which of their neighbors “don’t know Jesus…we have to tell them about Jesus!” Later, she asked her Mom to take her to a specific neighbor’s house. When asked why, she responded, “I need to ask … to forgive me. I have been mad at him for a long time because he ruined my toy.” When her Mom asked her what made her change her mind, and made her now want to ask his forgiveness, she said, “My heart changed.” Her heart, so unencumbered by doubt or argument, was responsive to all she has learned about Jesus’ love for her and for others. These truths had “changed (her) heart”.
It brought tears to my eyes when my daughter first told me about these interactions. It made me so aware of why Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matt. 19:14 NLT)
Do we respond with the same quick resolve and obedience? Do we let go of the hurts and offenses, and seek that peace that comes from obeying our Master? Just as Jesus said to His disciples to let the children come; He also invites all of us, like a child to come!
With faith so pure, so untethered and free,
Like a child unashamed, O Lord, let me be!
With my burdens and sin, to You let me run;
And receive Your forgiveness, through Jesus Your Son!