Leave it alone for one more year.
—Luke 13:8
When the vineyard owner said to chop down the fruitless tree, the vinedresser asked for one more year: “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”
It’s the gospel of another chance.
Peter wrote of some who scoffed at the idea of judgment because the world had gone on for centuries with no sign of the Lord coming to settle accounts. Peter told them that the delay was because “he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pt 3:9).
God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience are “intended to lead you to repentance” (Rom 2:4). God doesn’t settle accounts at the end of the month. But the day of accountability will come.
Another chance is a merciful gift—but not an endless one.
Delay is risky—and ultimately irreversible.