Four couples were sitting around the table discussing humorous things that had happened during their marriages. One brother told of buying a boat and not telling his wife for several months. He said after some rough days that she finally forgave him and began to cook again. He said that his philosophy is, "It is easier to get forgiveness than permission."

Many young people ignore the wishes of their parents and, when they get "caught," they cry, "I'm sorry." They might get a few weeks of being grounded. But why worry about permission when one can be forgiven?

I am not seeking to vilify forgiveness, because without it we are all lost. But the possibility of being forgiven does not give us a license, either in relationships or with God.

{xtypo_quote}"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){/xtypo_quote}