I embarrassed my son this weekend. We stopped at his usual Starbucks and I ordered a medium hot chocolate. I was informed by the guy at the cash register that they did not have anything medium. I needed to order a Grande. And the next time I needed to remember was the guy at the cash register was a barista. I thought this was America! For a moment I wanted to be Steve Martin so I could properly say, “Well, excussseee me!”
As I sat waiting for my hot chocolate to cool enough so I could drink it without scalding off a layer of skin inside my mouth, I got to wondering about the difference between the words “forgive” and “excuse.” What I discerned was “excuse” could imply one had an explanation for an offense making it appear more acceptable. “Forgive” was to pardon or to release someone from punishment. Therefore my sins cannot be excused but must be forgiven. However, I might add my sins often occur because I have a sinful nature which is an explanation. But, with God’s enlisted help I am not a slave to my sinful nature and can be an overcomer.
Jesus was an overcomer and so can we be. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:23. “Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:5
That is great news.
By the way. How come a Starbucks Venti is bigger than a Grande, which means big, large or great?
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 19, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org