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Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.
This verse describes the character of God. David is echoing the words God spoke to Moses in Exodus 34:6. After Israel sinned by making and worshiping the golden calf, God revealed Himself to Moses as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.
God is compassionate. He sees our struggles and weaknesses, and He cares deeply about us. The Hebrew word for “compassionate” describes tender compassion and mercy. God is not reluctant to show mercy. His compassion flows from who He is.
God is gracious. He shows favor and kindness that we do not deserve. We have sinned against Him, yet He freely extends His grace to us. Our salvation through Jesus Christ is the greatest demonstration of God’s grace toward us.
God is slow to anger. He is patient and long-suffering. Think about how patiently He endured Israel’s repeated rebellion throughout the wilderness and throughout their history. God’s patience does not mean that He overlooks sin. He is holy and just, but He is patient and gives people opportunities to repent.
God abounds in loving devotion. His love is faithful, steadfast and committed. His love is not based on our performance. We see the greatest demonstration of His love in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for sinners on the cross.
Take time to memorize this verse and remind yourself often of who God is. When you are struggling, remember that God is compassionate. When you have failed, remember that He is gracious. When you are tempted to think that God is impatient with you, remember that He is slow to anger. When you wonder whether God really loves you, remember that His loving devotion is abundant and faithful.
The enemy can tempt you to believe things about God that are contrary to what He has revealed about Himself. But God’s Word tells you who He really is.
Know God’s character. Believe what He has revealed about Himself, and let the truth of His compassion, grace, patience and faithful love draw you closer to Him.~ Jeff M Newman
Latest Bible Study
Observe Jesus’ Commands
Let little children come to Jesus and do not hinder them. Receive the kingdom of God like a little child.
Mark 10:13-16 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. (Matthew 19:14, Luke 9:48)
Previous Bible Study
Lesson 26 - The Commandments of Jesus - Part 4
Welcome back to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Monday at 12:00 PM Eastern.
Yesterday’s Devotional
Be Kind and Tenderhearted to One Another
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