Theme: LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY
Text: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” – Psalm 51:1, 2.
Comment: This was a prayer to God Almighty and evidence of remorse on the part of King David who committed the sins of adultery and murder. (2 Samuel 11:1-27; 12:7-20) When told his errors, he repented thoroughly and begged God for forgiveness. He never justified himself at any time, rather he was sorry for his sins. – Psalm 38:18, 51:3, 4.
King David was one who had a contrite heart, hence he readily accepted his faults and repented thoroughly and God forgave him. God Almighty takes delight in the person who has a penitent spirit and who readily express regret when his attention is drawn to his errors. King David attested to this when he said “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:16-17.
The Holy Scripture makes it abundantly clear that anyone who confesses and forsakes his wrongdoings will have the mercy of God. Ezekiel the prophet under inspiration says: “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.” – Ezekiel 18:21,22; Proverbs 28:13..