Forgiveness at the Coffee Bar

I’ve passed by the coffee and tea station at my church a hundred times -- maybe more. I’ve seen folks gathered there with steamy cups in hand, chatting about life, laughing, hugging, and sometimes praying together. It’s a sweet spot. A gathering place. The unofficial heart of the fellowship hall.

But last Sunday, something new caught my eye -- though I’m sure it’s been there all along. A sign above the coffee bar read:

C-O-F-F-E-E
Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere.

Well, mercy. That hit me harder than a double shot of espresso!

Forgiveness for everyone? Everywhere? Even the ones who cut us off in traffic? Even the ones who keep messing up -- and yes, even when that “one” is us?

Yes. A thousand times yes.

Jesus doesn’t ration out forgiveness like it's cream and sugar. He pours it out freely. Lavishly. No punch card required, no need to earn your way to a refill. Whether you've missed the mark once or a hundred times, His love says, “Come on in, I've saved you a seat.”

We all have days when we feel like the grounds at the bottom of the pot -- used up, bitter, and not worth much. But here’s the truth -- the Gospel truth -- Jesus forgives. Unequivocally.

Not just when we get it all together. He forgives in the middle of our mess.
Feeling like a failure? He forgives.
Ashamed of your past? He forgives.
Still working through it? He forgives.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

So the next time you grab your coffee -- at church or at home --take a moment to remember what that cup can remind us: Forgiveness isn’t just a churchy word. It’s a gift poured out for everyone, everywhere.

Since Jesus forgives us so quickly -- shouldn't we also be like Him and forgive? Please make us forgivers like You, Jesus! Old things passed away -- let's make them new.....and forgive!

That’s something worth sipping on!