Forgiveness Before Any Merit
My dear son,
Even when you feel far from me and have not been seeking me, you do not have to accumulate good deeds before returning. I am not a God who decides forgiveness solely by counting how well you have performed.
When Israel failed to call on me and burdened me with sin, I still declared forgiveness for my own sake. There is room to return honestly because you can depend on my faithful character. Come near and ask for mercy.
If gratitude is present now, share it gladly. If your heart feels unmoved, you may say that honestly, too. Tonight, speak truthfully with your forgiving Father instead of searching for words that make you sound like a good child.
With all my love,
Your Father
Isaiah 43:22–25
WEB22Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; but you have been weary of me, Israel.
23You have not brought me any of your sheep for burnt offerings, neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense.
24You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices, but you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities.
25I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
A short reflection
God confronts Israel for failing to seek him and burdening him with sin, yet declares that he blots out their sins for his own sake, rather than because of their merit.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter