Good and ready to forgive
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”Psalm 86:5
Reflection
David prays this psalm in the midst of affliction, feeling surrounded and in need. And, in the middle of the cry, he pauses to declare who God is: "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee". It is as if, in the middle of a storm, he lit a reference light. Before repeating the problem, he remembers God's character. Whoever does this discovers that the way of looking at the problem changes: it is still there, but now it is seen in the light of Someone greater and good.
Notice the qualities: good, ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy. In one sentence, David sums up the heart of God. "Good" means He is not hostile, indifferent or capricious. "Ready to forgive" means He does not keep a notebook of our failures against us, but is prepared to erase the debt. "Plenteous in mercy" speaks of a generosity that overflows: God does not give stingily. Many people imagine God as a stern judge waiting for the error. This verse shows another image: a good Father, with open arms, full of mercy.
And see who can benefit: "all them that call upon thee". Not only the holy or perfect, but all who call. The only requirement is the cry: acknowledging that we need. Many people draw away from God exactly when they need Him most, out of shame, because they think the mistake was too big to be forgiven. This verse dismantles that lie. If the cry for help is enough to set off God's goodness, then no mistake is too great for one who calls.
If there is something you think unforgivable, bring it to God today. Say sincerely: "Lord, I failed. You are good and ready to forgive; forgive me". Do not wait to feel worthy; you do not need to. Trust in what He is, not in what you deserve. And, once forgiven, be forgiving toward others: whoever contemplates such a God begins, little by little, to resemble Him. The door of forgiveness is not closed, and a sincere cry never falls into emptiness.
Prayer
Lord, You are good, ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy. I call on You, bringing my failure and my shame. Forgive me, cleanse me and restore me. Teach me to trust in what You are and not in what I deserve. And make me forgiving toward those who hurt me, as You are with me. Amen.
Put it into practice
Bring to God today, in writing or in prayer, what you consider "unforgivable". Say: "Lord, You are good and ready to forgive". Receive forgiveness as a fact and, if possible, take a step of forgiveness toward someone.
To reflect on
Is there something from your past you do not bring to God because you think it too great for forgiveness, and what does this verse say about it?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).