I like to play at golf. Note playing at golf and playing golf are two different things. I determine a good golf game by the number of balls I lose. One of the things I learned early in my golf experience was the mulligan. A mulligan is a do-over. For hackers like me, a mulligan is a friend. Slice the ball off the drive into the trees. Take a mulligan. Hit the ball into the water. Go ahead and take a mulligan. Who’s counting anyway?

Like golf, sometimes in life, we need a do-over. The good news is that God offers mulligans. Words and deeds often result in life’s slices, hooks, worm-burners, and triple bogies. John wrote, “If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This is not to suggest that God expects us to live a life dependent upon mulligans. God expects us to learn from our mistakes, correct those mistakes, and move forward. However, when necessary, follow John’s directives, confess your sins to God, and receive his forgiveness. Oh, by the way, if you take mulligans, it is only proper that you give mulligans to those around you.

Play a good game this week. If necessary, take and give a mulligan.