Devotion:
Read Psalm 103:6-10.
Many years ago, this became my favorite Psalm, especially the first fourteen verses. I call it a “gospel Psalm” because it has good news in it. In earlier verses, we are reminded of some of the “benefits” of being in covenant with this God: One who “forgives all your sins” and “redeems your life” and “crowns you with love and compassion…” Verse ten is the height of this good news: “...he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
That is certainly not to say that the Lord has not had reasons to be angry with us. Our condition of sin and the sins we commit as a symptom of that condition cause much grief and anger for God. This love that God has for us is given while mindful of many challenges we present to God in the relationship. Forgiveness becomes necessary because we all do and say things, and fail to do and say things, by which we hurt ourselves and other people, as well as God.
But that is what this love of God is all about. It overcomes challenges. God refuses to “treat us as our sins deserve.” You are invited to receive that good news, then celebrate and give thanks for it. And just as importantly, you are invited to let this love of God more and more live in you, so that you do not treat others as their sins deserve.
Personal Worship Option:
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for his love that overcomes your sin.
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