By RTF Guest Writer A.E. Zander

The first time I saw my family’s new German Shepherd puppy, I was ecstatic. Zach was the epitome of cute with droopy ears, fuzzy black fur, a wagging tail, and best of all, his melted chocolate gaze that could steal the heart of even the coldest person.

That was before I spent more than 24 hours with him.

Soon I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. He swallowed my socks. He left continual messes for me on the floor. He would cry so loudly at night, I’d have to sleep downstairs on the couch and sooth him to dreamland. My clothes quickly began to display holes, tears, and rips, made from his alligator-sharp teeth. My hands started looking just as battered.

I couldn’t keep the frustration away. What was his deal? Each day, I’d patiently teach him proper canine behavior, and the moment I let him out of my sight, Zach’s nose would be buried in some form of mischief. Still, each morning, I’d forgive him of all former misdeeds, and determine to teach him obedience.

I then realized I’m no better than Zach. Every day God shows me how I should live, and what’s good and bad, yet, I sin repeatedly. I know if I were God, I’d be thinking, what is her problem? I show her how to obey me, yet she doesn’t! Why can’t she learn?

But I’m reminded of verse 22 and 23 in Lamentations 3. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Just like each day I’d wake up, ready to train my puppy despite his disobedience, God will never give up on us. His compassion and forgiveness are new every morning, no matter how badly we’ve messed up. As one of my favorite verses says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)