God is a God who pardons sin and delights in showing mercy.
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18 (KJV)
What does “Who is like You” mean in Micah 7:18?
Micah asks a question that answers itself: who is a God like the LORD? He then names three things: pardon, forgiveness of the remnant, and a refusal to hold anger forever.
Going deeper
Micah asks, Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? The answer is no one. Other gods, real or imagined, do not forgive like this. And then the reason: he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. God does not just tolerate mercy. He delights in it. Forgiving is something He enjoys, not something He does reluctantly.
That changes how we come to God after failure. We may expect a reluctant pardon, given through gritted teeth. Micah says He delights to show mercy. Bring Him what you have been carrying, and expect gladness on His side. Then let it change how you treat others. If God delights in mercy, we can learn to enjoy giving it. Choose someone to forgive or to treat kindly this week, in the same spirit. Receive His mercy today, and share it with someone else.
Reflect
What could you bring to God today, expecting that He delights to show you mercy?
Pray
Lord, there is no God like You. Thank You that You pardon and delight in mercy. Teach me to receive it and to give it. In Jesus' name, amen.
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