“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in mercy.”
—Micah 7:18 NKJV

God delights in showing mercy to his people. His is not a reluctant or forced love; it is his delight to love us.

Many think that God’s “modus operandi” is anger. They think that he is furious with us and that he will only change his attitude when we approach him in repentance for our sins.

But if we think like that, we are reading the story backwards. Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Before we even thought of seeking God, he approached us with love. He made the first move, not us.

The Bible makes it clear that repentance of our sins is necessary to live the abundant life that Jesus has to offer us, but remember this: repentance is our response to his love, not something that dissuades him from his anger.

It is his delight to show us mercy.

It does not matter how many times we have strayed from God’s perfect will; he will always be there with his arms open wide to welcome us home.

Here is a short prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: You who delight in mercy,
Breathe out: Free me of my fear.