“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” ( 2 Chronicles 7:14).

At times we may feel we have committed a wrong so grievous that it lies beyond the reach of mercy. In the world’s justice system people are often condemned—sometimes even on false evidence—and their punishment is final. But with God it is different. No sin is beyond His mercy and forgiveness when a person turns to Him in genuine repentance.

Consider King Nebuchadnezzar. Swollen with pride, and despite a warning from God delivered through Daniel, he boasted of his achievements, boasting: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). In response God stripped him of his throne, his sanity, and his dignity until he ate grass like an ox! Yet when Nebuchadnezzar “raised his eyes toward heaven,” his reason returned. He declared, “I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever” (Daniel 4:34). Immediately his kingdom and possessions were restored. God showed Himself merciful the moment the king acknowledged Him.

Then there is Manasseh. Among his many sins he led Judah into idolatry, erected pagan altars, practiced sorcery, and shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem “from one end to the other” (2 Kings 21:16)—even sacrificing his own son. After the Assyrians captured him and bound him in captivity, “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God” (2 Chronicles 33:12–13).

Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus forgave a condemned criminal who simply acknowledged Him. The man said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43). His past was not held against him.

God is merciful, forgiving, and kind. Whatever your past, and whatever accusations the enemy may hurl at you, He stands ready to receive and forgive you the moment you acknowledge His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a blessing it is to know that You are a forgiving and merciful God. We may come to You at any time and find You ready to forgive. Today I gladly come in repentance, receiving the assurance that I am forgiven and accepted by You—just as I am. This I pray in Jesus’ name!