Psalm 103:11-13
Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so powerful is his mercy toward those who fear him. As distant as the East is from the West, so far has he removed our rebellious acts from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Applying God’s Word for Today: God’s Boundless Mercy and Forgiveness
So many people grapple with the guilt and shame of what they have said and done, haunted by their past. What’s worse is that they have nowhere to turn, trying all sorts of self-help and working on it from the inside. If only I could become a better person, then all would be well. So they struggle, but there is this pattern of improvement and failure, kind of like dieting. Have you ever struggled with your past sins?
So, what’s the answer? The love God has for us all. He has demonstrated His love by sending His son that first Christmas to be our Savior—God in the flesh to take away all our sins. When Jesus went to the cross, He took all our punishment with Him. He suffered the punishment for the world’s sins and removed them as far as the East is from the West. David knew the pain of his sins and how they had troubled him; he described it as his bones aching. But when Nathan came, he also heard the words of forgiveness. Even though he had an affair with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, murdered in battle, Nathan spoke of God’s love and forgiveness.
This forgiveness shows God’s great mercy toward you. He has already forgiven all your sins, including your thoughts. He gives this to you as a gift. You don’t need to pay for it or go through any rituals or work your way out of sin’s debt. It is yours free by faith in Jesus. God has love and compassion for you because He wants you with Him for eternity. This gift is yours by faith, so believe in God’s love and share it with someone who doesn’t know Jesus or God’s love, because God’s will is for all people to know Him and His love.
Dear Heavenly Father, we should be terrified of you because of our sins, but because of Your love for us, You have forgiven us for Jesus’ sake. May we recognize our sins and find forgiveness in Your grace, mercy, and love. Let our response be to love others as You have loved us. Grant them the peace of Your forgiveness that comes through faith in Jesus. Amen
The power of God’s mercy far surpasses the weakness of your rebellion and sin. Through God’s love and mercy, Jesus has removed your sins forever, so that by believing in Him, you have eternal life. The greatest gift God could ever give—salvation!