Be Ready to Forgive

Psalm 86:1 Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

This psalm, like many of the others, records a prayer of David. David expressed how he desperately wanted God's attention and ear. He begins by boldly proclaiming God’s preserving power and mercy and then pleading for a restoration of the joy he once had but had now lost. This psalm clearly reveals David's single hope—the fact that the Lord remains “ready to forgive.” When a believer approaches God confessing his sins, he finds an ear ready to hear his petitions and pleas. Man needs only come and seek the forgiveness with a sincere heart because God remains ready and waiting to grant that forgiveness. The Lord stands watching for His people to come to Him in true repentance (similar to the father of the wandering son in Luke chapter 15).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Mom sees you break one of her favorite dishes. In her heart, she still loves you even before you tell her that you are sorry. God is that way with us. We should be that way with others.

• (For everyone): If we are to be like our Father, it stands to reason we ought to be seeking for opportunities to forgive others even before they approach us seeking our forgiveness. Do you have a desire to offer forgiveness toward those who have offended you?

• The Lord’s readiness to forgive goes along with His swiftness to forget. Do you claim to be ready to forgive, yet hold on to the memories and bitterness toward those who have wronged you?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask God to give you a heart that is ready and willing to forgive others.

• Ask the Lord to help you forgive others before they even ask.

SONG: Lead Me to Calvary

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Forgiveness