He Has Not Treated Me as My Sins Deserve

Today, while reading Psalm 103 in the New Living Translation, I stopped at verse 10. God has not treated us as our sins deserve.

What if He dealt with me according to every careless word, selfish decision, and wrong motive? I could never stand before Him claiming that I had earned His mercy.

Psalm 103 tells me what God is like. He is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He knows how weak we are. Like a father who cares for his children, He is tender toward those who fear Him.

That does not make my sin harmless. I may still need to apologise, repair what I have damaged, or accept a consequence. But I can come honestly to God instead of hiding from Him.

How can a holy God forgive me? Because Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. My forgiveness rests in what He has done, not in my ability to make up for my past.

David says God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. What mercy! I want that mercy to move me to repentance and shape the way I treat others.

Lord, You have not treated me as my sins deserve. Thank You for forgiving me through Jesus.

Reflection

Is there something I need to confess or make right? How can I show someone else the mercy I have received?

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your compassion and patience. You know my sins and weaknesses. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who died for me and rose again. Help me confess what is wrong, receive Your forgiveness with gratitude, and turn away from sin. Teach me to show others the mercy You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.