Exodus 34:6-7
"...the forgiveness of sins..."
The LORD, the LORD,
a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
yet by no means clearing the guilty,
but visiting the iniquity of the parents
upon the children
and the children’s children,
to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7
When God revealed himself to Moses, he proclaimed these words as the essential content of his character. References to this description occur dozens of times throughout the rest of scripture. (Numbers 14:18, Deuteronomy 4:31, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 51:1, 103:3, Romans 2:4, 1 John 1:9)
Reflect on this list of attributes. Which ones stand out the most to you? Journal a few thoughts about one or two of them.
Is there a difference between the forgiveness of sin and the effects of sin? Is it possible to forgive and still feel the pain of consequences?
Notice how sin’s effects last “to the third and the fourth generation” but God’s love lasts to “the thousandth generation.” What effects of sin have you experienced in your life? Pray for God’s healing love.
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.