He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:10
This verse is not isolated from the rest of the chapter. Let’s consider a few snippets to give some context. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy…” (v2-4)
God’s steadfast love is why he does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (v 8,10-14)
This faithful and forgiving character is not just who we think God is or who we’d like him to be. No! God wrote this about himself. God is compassionate, forgiving, and merciful. He is like a Father, abounding in steadfast love. This is who God truly is. We know this because he fulfilled his promise of a Savior in Jesus.
This is grace.
Studio Update:
Here’s some samples of what I’ve been working on lately. Some watercolor-y doodles, pen and ink, calligraphy, the works. I’m excited about these pen and ink nasturtiums, this pink calligraphy ink, and watercolor polka-dots. I got out my old friends (my colored pencils) to work on some tulips, and I am so excited for spring!
In the garden, there are a handful of daffodils that are sending up shoots! There are hellebore buds shooting up from the base of the plants, just waiting to bloom! (Spring is my favorite season, if you couldn’t tell.)
Anyway, that’s all for now! Thanks for stopping by!
Blair