Why God Forgives

One of the most agonizing questions all children ask comes in one word: Why?

That endless, searching, penetrating, obnoxious, and even threatening question sometimes causes controversy, other times resentment, and even - would you believe it - anger.

Most of us do not enjoy having to give a reason for what we do or say. It disturbs our peace of mind and forces us to clarify our words or deeds. Many times it is a good question for the same reasons it is a disturbing question: we have to examine and explain things we had done in the past simply without thinking about or even taking time to evaluate them.

Although David did not ask the “why” question, he did answer it without thinking about it. “Why” would God forgive him? His love. And then he answered another “why” question without asking “why” - because our God is a “good” God.

“Why would You forgive me God?” As I understand it, God, it is according to, or consistent with the fact that You love me. “Thank You for Your love God.”

“But then, God, why would You love me when the sin I committed is horrible even in my own eyes?” And God answered, “Because I am good, David.”

“Love” and “good” are two simple facts about the very character of God. But, they also go together. If God is love, He also has to be good. Otherwise, His love could be selective. But because He is good, His love is for all of us.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for a love that does not depend on anything except the fact that You are good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Psalm 25:7b According to Your love, remember me for You are good, O Lord.