Saturday, 30 May 2026
God Is Merciful!
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
Everyone appreciates mercy and, at one point or another, needs it. In everyday life, it may be someone speeding to a late appointment who encounters a stern traffic officer. The offender may plead for mercy and, if fortunate, is let off with only a warning. Every day, offenders stand before judges appealing for mercy before sentence is passed. On a lucky day the judge may pass a lenient sentence!
How blessed we are that our God is merciful! Throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Israelites repeatedly offended God. On one occasion, when they built and worshipped the golden calf, God threatened to destroy them and raise a new nation through Moses. But Moses pleaded with God not to destroy His people, reminding Him of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and arguing that such destruction would damage God’s reputation among the Egyptians. Because of Moses’ plea, “the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people” (Exodus 32:14).
Elsewhere, the Pharisees brought before Jesus a woman caught in adultery, expecting Him to condemn her. Instead, after challenging those without sin to cast the first stone, Jesus turned to the woman and asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:10–11).
This is our God — a merciful God. We may have committed grievous sins, whether idolatry, betrayal, or other wrongs, but when we turn to Him with sincere repentance, He shows us mercy. As He told the adulterous woman, He forgives and calls us to a transformed life, for mercy is His very nature.
Prayer: Lord Father Almighty God, knowing how sinful I am, I come before You with a repentant heart, pleading for mercy. Accept me as Your child and mould me into the person You desire to serve and worship You faithfully. This I pray in Jesus’ name!
