Psalm 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this reminder of who You are. As we live in a self-serving world, compassion and grace are diminished by all the tensions; mercy is often lost. The way of the world truly showcases people’s sinful nature, where individuals prioritize their interests above all else. Those who are unfamiliar with You are often driven by a fear of accountability for their actions; many acknowledge a higher power and strive to appease it, while others yield to their impulses. Society responds to misbehavior by enacting laws to regulate public conduct.
However, to truly know You means believing in and trusting You, as well as recognizing Your qualities, will, and the ways You demonstrate love for people. You are compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and merciful. You desire to save all people; You designed Your plan for salvation because our sins separate us from You. You sent Your Son to live the perfect life that we cannot; then Jesus went to the cross to bear the punishment for each of our sins. His resurrection from the dead proves You accepted His payment for all sins. Forgiveness is available for everyone and comes to all who believe in Jesus. You tell us that You do not take pleasure in an unbeliever’s death, but want everyone to believe in You and have eternal life.
In eternal life, everyone has salvation; it was made possible at your Son’s expense because of your love for all people. You are slow to anger, granting each person a time of grace to know, trust, and believe in you. You are merciful; for Jesus’ sake, we do not receive what we deserve—eternal condemnation. Instead, you bless us with salvation.
Let us share our faith with those who do not yet know or trust You. Please ignite their faith so they may trust in Your qualities, experience Your peace of forgiveness, and have confidence in salvation for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God wants you to know Him; He is not angry but loving. In fact, He loved you so much that He sent His Son to suffer in your place and pay the price for your sins, so that by believing in Jesus, you have salvation and eternal life. Moreover, He is patiently waiting for you.