“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5 (NIV)
I answered my phone at home thinking that a family member was calling, but it was a telemarketer. Another telemarketer! I was beyond frustrated that I couldn’t stop a constant barrage of irritating calls from telemarketers. The caller launched into his sales pitch in one long jumble of words, not even pausing when I said I wasn’t interested. I knew I should simply hang up, but before I did so I snapped: “Get a real job!” Immediately, after those words left my mouth, I felt a pang of shame. I had promised God that I wouldn’t be rude to telemarketers anymore, no matter how rude they were to me. Yet, here I was again, falling into the same pattern of frustration and harshness. I sat in silence for a moment, with a heavy heart, considering how my rude words may have hurt the person on the other end of the line. Then I bowed my head and prayed, asking God to forgive me. I needed God’s help to remind me that every person – even a telemarketer – was someone created in his image and worthy of kindness.
We all fall short. No matter how hard we try, we make mistakes, we stumble, and we sometimes walk paths we were never meant to take. Yet, in the middle of our shortcomings, God’s character remains the same – God is forgiving and good.
Psalm 86:5 reminds us of this wonderful truth. The Lord is not just a God of justice, but also a God of mercy. Our good God forgives us freely and generously. No matter how far we’ve distanced ourselves from God through our sins, when we turn back to God, he is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
God’s goodness means that he doesn’t hold grudges or keep a record of our wrongs when we seek his forgiveness. Instead, God cleanses, renews, and restores us. God has given us an open invitation to leave behind our guilt and step into the freedom of his grace.
The depth of God’s forgiveness is beyond our human comprehension. Consider the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The son squandered his inheritance, made reckless choices, and found himself at rock bottom. Yet, when he returned home and expected only a servant’s place, his father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him fully. This shows us the heart of our Heavenly Father! God is not waiting to condemn us, but to restore us and celebrate our return.
When we live with shame, we hold ourselves back from the blessings God has for us. But God doesn’t want us to live in shame. Instead, God calls us to repentance – not as a means of punishment, but as a way toward spiritual renewal and revival. Each time we sincerely ask God to forgive us for sin, God’s response is always the same: love, mercy, and grace.
It’s important to remember that God’s forgiveness is not just for the major failures in our lives, but also for the small daily struggles we go through – such as dealing with impatience, selfishness, or doubt. God’s mercy is always available to us, and God’s love for us is unconditional.
Think about the times when you’ve needed forgiveness. Maybe you’ve hurt someone with your words or acted in a way you regret. You might worry that you’re unworthy of God’s loving forgiveness – that you’ve gone too far. But Psalm 86:5 tells a different story: God is abounding in love for all who call to him. So, if you are feeling weighed down by past mistakes, take heart. God is forgiving and good. All God asks is that we turn to him, call upon his name, and receive the love and mercy he so freely gives. God’s grace is greater than our sin, and God’s goodness is unlimited!
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank you for being a forgiving and good God, abounding in love. I confess my mistakes and sins. Please cleanse me, renew me, and help me walk in the freedom of your grace. When I’m tempted to live in shame, remind me of your unlimited love. Fill my heart with your peace and teach me to give grace and mercy to others because you so freely give grace and mercy to me. Strengthen me to grow in patience, kindness, and love, so my words and actions will reflect your goodness. I surrender my weaknesses to you and trust you to empower me with the strength I need in every situation. Thank you for your endless love and for always being near when I call out to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/M Image Photography
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
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Originally published Thursday, 20 March 2025.
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