I blinked back tears as I reviewed my medical bill. Considering my husbands severe cut in salary after a lengthy unemployment, even paying half of the balance would require years of small monthly installments. I prayed before calling the doctors office to explain our situation and request a payment plan.
After leaving me on hold for a short time, the receptionist informed me the doctor had zeroed out our account.
I sobbed a thank you. The generous gift overwhelmed me with gratitude. Hanging up the phone, I praised God. I considered saving the bill, not as a reminder of what I used to owe but as a reminder of what God had done.
My physicians choice to pardon my debt brought to mind Gods choice to forgive the insurmountable debt of my sins. Scripture assures us God is compassionate and gracious and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). He does not treat us as our sins deserve (v. 10). He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (v. 12), when we repent and accept Christ as our Savior. His sacrifice erases the debt we once owed. Completely.
Once forgiven, we arent defined by or limited by our past debt. In response to the Lords extravagant gift, we can acknowledge all Hes done. Offering our devoted worship and grateful affection, we can live for Him and share Him with others.
INSIGHT
Psalm 103:1314 is an example of the Bibles characterization of God as a powerful, protective father (see Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 63:8). When Jesus came, He emphasized this idea, teaching His disciples to pray to God as Father (Matthew 6:9; 18:19). Remembering that God loves us like a father is a powerful reminder of His unconditional love. No matter how many mistakes their children make, good parents never stop loving them. And when children stray into danger, loving parents are willing to do anything to bring them safely home.
Jesus taught us that God feels the same about us (see Luke 15:1132).
When humankind walked away from Him, God was willing to pay the ultimate price to restore us into His family, enduring the weight of all our sin (Ephesians 1:7). Because of Jesus, believers need never doubt that they are Gods children (Romans 8:1417).
How does remembering that God is your Father encourage you?