The one thing so common amongst believers today is the thought of God being overly angry with them because of that which they do. Does that mean God shouldn't frown at the fact that we act contrary to his instructions? Of course, he should. Will your father or mother not frown at you for doing something wrong? The truth is he or she will certainly do that but does that mean they would frown at you forever? The answer again is no. That's the same way it is with the Lord; although we do things to displease him many times, he doesn't hold it against us perpetually. He is merciful.
The word merciful means to treat people with kindness, and forgiveness; not cruelly or harshly. The word gracious could also mean merciful or compassionate. While the word chides means to disapprove of a person or to scold someone gently. This will help shed more light on that which the Lord intends for us to see today. Let's see the passage of scripture below:
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [9] He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever. [10] He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. [11] For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." (Psalm 103:8-11).
Just as a child will do something to his parent, and they will frown at him, and chide him for his actions but would not hold it against him forever, we as believers are to also bear in mind that God does the same to us as stated in the opening paragraph of our study today. Why is that so? Why wouldn't he chide forever? The answers are seen below.
First, it is because the Lord is merciful (kind and forgiving), and gracious (compassionate). It is also because the Lord whom we serve is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy (kindness, and forgiveness). Second is the fact that, although he chides, he does that only to help us because he loves us but he doesn't chide forever, why? Because he is merciful.
The third is the fact that he didn't deal with us according to our sins nor did he reward us according to our iniquities, and even now that we are in him, and although we err, he will forgive, why? Because as the heaven is high above the earth, that is how great his mercy (kindness, and forgiveness) is to those that fear him. Glory to God.
This today comes as an exhortation to you, and me, that God is merciful. Should we, therefore, do things to displease him intentionally? The answer is no, but if at all it happens, always bear in mind that God is merciful so you can go boldly into the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy indeed. May these words comfort your hearts today. Amen.
Thought for the day: Although God is merciful and will not always chide forever, you are not to take his mercy for granted. Do not deliberately do things that are contrary to his command and say, after all, God is merciful.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected]
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