Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. Micah 7:18 WEB
We are fortunate to serve a loving God. As this scripture says, “he delights in loving kindness.” Micah was a prophet eight centuries before the birth of Christ and yet, when we read his words, we find the comfort and mercy that is experienced through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Many people think of God in the Old Testament as different from the loving, gentle God of the New Testament. But God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Sinners and saints alike, God loves us. As we read in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. KJV” We serve a righteous God who desires that we are all saved.
Sin Separates
It is sin that separates us from the Lord, and the sacrifice of the Lord that saves us from sin. In Luke 5:32 Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. KJV” Jesus, God in the flesh, wants us to turn to the Lord and be forgiven. God himself calls us to reject our wickedness and come to him so that he can pardon our iniquity. We could not be loved any better than that.
God is righteous. We cannot be in his holy presence without the righteousness we receive through the blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift from God. We cannot earn it, God will not force it on us, but the Lord freely gives salvation to those who have faith in Christ. As the prophet wrote of God, “He delights in loving kindness.”
Prayer: “Father God, I love you. You are gentle, patient, mighty and forgiving. Lead me in your way and guide me to help gather our family into your house. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Walk in Love
