Romans 8:1-2 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (NIV)

Some recent events have taken me back about sixty years in time, and brought back memories of the childhood trips that I made to the bog to bring home, at first, frog eggs, then pollywogs, and, later in the year, big, fat frogs. My brother was great at doing this, and at one point, our basement became a hospital for injured frogs. He had a big washtub with large stones in it, and there he would put the injured frogs that he found, and care for them until they were able to hop around and give signs that they were ready to be set free. My father was scared to death to go to the basement; he just had no love or pity for the injured frogs. However, Mamma was the nurse and worked along with my brother in restoring health to the injured. When they were ready, they would free them to live in their own environment.

My little brother's mission for the frogs was somewhat like God's mission for us who are burdened with sin and despair. My brother's goal was to save the frogs from hurt and pain and set them free when he felt they were able to survive and manage on their own. God's purpose in our lives is also to heal our souls from despair and heartbreak by forgiving our transgressions, and to set us free from the bonds of sin, allowing us to enjoy freedom of mind and soul forever.

What a wonderful little mission my brother had to the frogs — but his goodness does not even begin to compare with the deep, abiding, great, and loving forgiveness our heavenly Father has for us.

Prayer: Eternal Father, You are the giver of life, to even the smallest insect on earth. We thank You for the love that You show to us through others, portrayed even in the life of a young boy whose mission was to heal the frogs and set them free. And yet, we, who love You, know that You are so much greater and wiser than our minds can possibly comprehend. You, and only You, are able to heal our minds, bodies, and souls, and set us free from our sin when we call upon You in faith and trust. May we always look for opportunities to be kind to others and to allow the love of Christ to flow to them through our every activity. Amen.

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