The Light of Conscience

As I mentioned in my previous entry, I'm going to try to write about some different things on this blog.  Something happened last night that I didn't full grasp until this morning.  I figured I would share.

First, a bit of scripture.  Romans 2:14-15

Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right.

In this passage Paul is explaining that no one can say that God is unfair to those that have not heard of or read the Law (what we would consider our Bible today) because everyone has a conscience that comes straight from God.  If they choose to obey that conscience, then that means they have a heart that is willing to follow Him.

Last night was a fairly typical night in the Riley household.  Kelsey is in a phase now where she likes to wear dresses.  And when I say "dresses", that means changing clothes a couple of times a day.  Last night was no exception.  When I got home she was wearing her "jammies" and asking Bev if she could put on her Sleeping Beauty dress.  I told her I would help her change.  But that it would be her last change for the night.

Well about ten minutes later, she decided she wanted to wear her Cinderella dress.  I told her no more changes.  She pitched a little fit.  I told her it was either the Sleeping Beauty dress or her jammies.  She cried.  I told her stop crying, go to her room, and put her jammies on.  She did.  As I said, a fairly typical night.  At least with a 4 year old girl who likes to dress up anyway.  :)

Beverly and I resumed our viewing of Lost (I love DVRs), Kelsey and Roland played for a while.  No time-outs.  No spankings.  The situation was over.  Or so I thought...

About thirty minutes later, Kelsey walked up beside the couch and said something like, "Mommy and Daddy, I just wanted to tell y'all that I'm sorry for pitching a fit about the dress and that I hope you'll forgive me and I'm sorry."

Beverly and I were completely floored, Kelsey was whisked up to the couch with us, we thanked her for saying sorry, and told her of course we forgive her.  Kelsey started balling and I think Bev started to choke up some.  Bev explained to her that we will forgive her just like God forgives us all when we do wrong and that His forgiveness really means much more because Jesus gave his life for use to be able to be forgiven.  What a great moment.  Likely one I'll remember for a long time.

Our little girl is growing up.  And her conscience is developing before our very eyes.  I look forward to the day that I can refer to Kelsey as my sister and be more proud of that than calling her my daughter.