Second, Third, Forth etc. Chances- Everyone is a Work In Progress- Extend Grace and Support

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Phil 1:6

Have you ever been frustrated helping someone that has had multiple chances in life and they keep making mistakes?

They just don’t seem to be able to get it together. They seem to make the same mistake over and over and they don’t seem to take the necessary steps to make positive changes in their lives.

Does that mean that they are not deserving of multiple changes to make positive and mature changes in their lives? No, it does not.

Think about your own life. Have you ever made any mistakes? I am guessing yes. Did you ever need time to make needed changes in your life? Again, I am guessing yes.

Now there is such a thing as enabling someone and / or being a co-dependent with someone’s irresponsible behaviors. This could look something like buying an alcoholic alcohol when they ask you to help them. It could even look like helping someone repeatedly who does not help themselves.

I am not saying to be a co-dependent to someone's inappropriate behaviors. I am certainly not saying to live in abuse. I am saying...... help someone to believe in themselves!

There is a fine line between being a co-dependent and with drawing healthy a boundary line but still supporting and helping someone. 

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11

Thus, you can always continue to give others chances to make changes in their life. You can support and love them without enabling by letting them know that you care and that you believe in them! 

Try not to be judgmental. Try and not enable inappropriate and irresponsible behaviors – but also-------- try not to ever give up on anyone.

We are ALL a work in progress! 

Your timetable may not be the same as someone else's timetable.

God does not call us to be judgmental toward others but to love them and give them grace as He gives us His love and grace. 

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23


2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                           Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com