“He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve . . . He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:10, 12 NLT).
God gives us what we need, not what we deserve.
We deserve judgment for our sins because we are guilty for doing bad things, but Jesus took the punishment we deserve. He has removed them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NLT).
Earth has a north pole and a south pole, but there is no end from east to west. When you place your trust in Jesus, God takes your sin and wipes it out!
King David committed adultery, and then, to cover it up, he had the woman’s husband murdered. Can you imagine the guilt he carried?
The far-reaching effects of adultery and murder are devastating. David didn’t deserve forgiveness or mercy from God. David knew he was wrong, but he also knew that God is a merciful God.
David prayed: “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2 NLT).
God desires mercy over judgment. He is in the business of forgiveness; he can purify, cleanse, and restore you.
Follow David’s example. Admit your guilt to God and ask for his mercy. He will forgive you because he is good, not because you are good enough to earn it.
God has forgiven you, so accept his forgiveness and forgive yourself, too.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Start every day with God’s word—and share the hope with others!
Thank you for your generous gift below to help share the hope of Jesus with more people through Daily Hope!
As thanks for your gift, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s "Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise."
This resource will help you start each day encouraged and filled with the purpose, peace, and promises of God.
Request yours below—and thank you for your generous partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
