The Honesty of Asking for Mercy
My dear son,
When you come before me, you do not need to cover your wrongdoing with softer words. I value an honest turning of the heart. Because I love you, I want you to return truthfully and begin again instead of remaining in what is wrong.
Ask me to wash away your sin. You do not have to demonstrate that you have improved enough before your Father will love you. Trust my steadfast love and compassion, and come back telling the truth.
If something that needs correction comes to mind today, face it honestly. Carry the love I teach into the apology and request for forgiveness that are needed. Beside me, you can learn again how to live rightly.
With all my love,
Your Father
Psalms 51:1–2
WEB1Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin.
A short reflection
Relying on God's steadfast love and great compassion, the psalmist asks for mercy, the removal of his rebellion, and thorough cleansing from sin.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter