A young convert approached his pastor with a question. "How can God, who is good, forgive a sinner? Isn't he repulsed by all the hatred and jealousy that fills people?"

The pastor looked warmly at this young, enthusiastic friend and said, "You are the third generation in a family of master furniture makers. Tell me, if a fine table that your grandfather had made was scratched, would you throw it away?"

"Of course not!" the young man exclaimed. "A scratch can hardly change the character of a fine piece of furniture."

"And," the pastor continued, "if you nicked a well-crafted oak table, would you toss it away?"

"Throw it away? No way!" reacted the young man. "Even with a few scratches, quality furniture is sturdy and valuable."

"You have spoken like a true professional," the pastor replied. "You share the same norm that God follows when he judges people precious and valuable in spite of their obvious flaws."