Scripture: Have mercy on my, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 53:1)
David teaches us to ask God to treat us according to his mercy and love instead of according to our sins. He knows that our transgressions against God’s law and against our fellow man deserve punishment. But the penalty is more than we can pay, especially knowing the pure holiness of God. But David also knows what James makes explicit: “mercy triumphs over justice” (James 2:13).
Prayer: Lord, you are good to us. You’ve treated us not according to what we deserve but according to your own character, your lovingkindness and your mercy. Grant that we would go and sin no more, and that we would treat those who sin against us with the same treatment you’ve given us. Amen.