A lady shared a beautiful story to illustrate the love and grace of God.  I tried to find the story on the internet, but I could not find it anywhere.  So, it makes me wonder if her husband created this story?  I’m not sure.  Just before one of our sessions, someone brought up their time in small group devotions on grace–the “chicken story”. She boldly requested that her friend, “Share the chicken story!”

There once was a little boy who was riding his bike so fast he did not see his father’s favorite chicken.  He accidentally ran over the chicken, and the chicken died.  The little boy was sad and fearful, because he knew that this chicken was his father’s favorite.  It took awhile, but he finally approached his father and confessed what he had done.  The father immediately took him in his arms and said, “I love you!  You are forgiven! Now, go bury the chicken! It is all forgotten!”

The little boy buried the chicken but every day for months would lament his actions and go dig up the chicken and return to the father crying–“Look what I’ve done!  I’m so sorry!”  Each time the father would tell the little boy, “I love you, and it is forgotten!  Go bury the chicken!”

How far has the Lord taken
    our sins from us?
    Farther than the distance
    from east to west!  Psalm 103:12

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

The friend reminded us that forgiveness of self–allowing God’s grace to set us free is just as important as forgiving others.  So, the next time you spend a moment in condemnation –Go!  Bury the chicken!

Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

Casting Crowns East to West