TRUE FORGIVENESS

Psalm 103

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.

This is one of the most comforting texts in all of Scripture.

First, the promise that the forgiveness God offers us is utterly complete. There's no lingering resentment on His part.

Second, His forgiveness has a real effect on us. Our sins are not just papered over, but actually removed.

Third, there is the reminder of the Fatherly love of God. Imagine the God of the Universe showing you compassion - in light of your wrongdoing - as a Father interacting with a beloved child!

Fourth, His approach to us in our sins is tempered by His understanding of our frailty, the limitations imposed on us by our own lack of understanding, our selfishness, and our flesh bound existence. 

This doesn't mean we are let off the hook, but that in dealing with us, He remembers and takes into account what we're made of.

The entire psalm makes a great source for a Lenten meditation.