Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Micah 7:18-19
Devotional Message
God’s uniqueness is exemplified through His incomparable forgiveness—where He not only pardons our sins but actually finds joy in showing mercy. This is the profound difference between simple forgiveness—(absolving poor decisions) and mercy (which is born out of the desire to relieve suffering through the lens of compassion). Our God may be grieved whenever we act in ways that He deems wrong, yet His anger never stretches far enough to prevent Him from truly pardoning us, demonstrating how pure His heart is toward each of us. Rather than punishing us for our wrongdoings, God quietly whispers, ‘It’s okay, I understand, I forgive you, I relieve you.’
When we think about the people in our lives, especially the family members, friends, or partners who have wronged us, we tend to resist forgiveness and mercy. But when has a relationship ever grown stronger through punishment? When have we felt better about ourselves while harboring anger or resentment? When has holding a grudge ever served us? There is profound freedom to be found in receiving this level of mercy, but it is also something we must learn to embody with the people around us. To reflect this attribute to others—to not only forgive but to do so through the lens of joyful mercy—we can find compassion toward those who have hurt us. We offer them the same love that God offers us, answering the question ‘Who is a God like you?’ by becoming more like Him in our own forgiveness.
Let’s Pray
Dear God, I come to you today with a grateful heart, knowing that when you forgive me, you not only pardon my sin but delight in showing me mercy. So now, I want you to teach me how to extend this same gift to people I struggle to forgive.
The truth is, there is anger and bitterness in my heart, and I struggle to offer those who have wronged me the same compassion that you so freely give to me. I acknowledge this sin and ask for your help. I now commit to extend the forgiveness you’ve offered me to the people in my life, not grudgingly, but with delight as you do. Thank you for your unwavering compassion and patience as I grow to become more like you—a God unlike any other in your merciful character. Amen.
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