Tender Mercies

"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions." Psalm 51:1

In our morning devotions, Joel and I read Psalm 51 and the following commentary by R.C. Sproul: "David's petition is based upon God's 'steadfast love.' These two words translate the Hebrew hesed, a term used for the special covenant loyalty the Lord displays to His people. This hesed is a love that never changes - one that relentlessly pursues the elect even when they do not act in love toward God. David knows well the steadfast character of the Almighty and asks the Lord to forgive him just as He has forgiven His people before...Consider that David can only appeal to God's mercy when he implores Him to 'blot out' his transgressions (v.1) Obviously, this cannot mean that the Lord forgets sin or ignores it. When God erases our record He no longer holds our sin against us, but He never literally forgets its. Still...'Once a sin is forgiven, the Lord treats it as if it never happened.'"

As imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), we should desire to extend tender mercies to all those who have wronged us and asked for forgiveness. Unfortunately, too often we'd rather harbor grudges and sometimes even bring up past wrongs in an attempt to manipulate others. We appreciate, even expect, God's mercy, but we're reluctant to treat others in like manner. But the Lord Jesus said, "...love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35