“The LORD is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 103:8

No one can stand a chance against God’s anger. Yet the Bible says that God is slow to anger and abounding in mercy and grace.

King Ahab in the Bible is identified as a man who sold himself to do evil. That means he willingly involved himself in every act that was an abomination to God, heavily influenced by his wicked wife.

“(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.)”

1 Kings 21:25 ESV

In spite of God warning him several times, he did not correct his ways. Instead, he continued in the path that displeased God. When he finally heard that God’s anger had been kindled and disaster was pronounced upon him, he tore his clothes, wore sackcloth, fasted, and humbled himself in deep remorse.

God saw that he humbled himself. God saw his brokenness. God saw his repentance.

And because God is merciful and gracious, He withheld the disaster from Ahab during his lifetime. Yet, because God is also a righteous Judge, He declared that the consequences would come upon his house in the next generation.

God is merciful and gracious to those who humble themselves and plead for forgiveness. He is slow to anger. He is rich in mercy. He is abundant in steadfast love.

God’s love for us does not always make sense to human intelligence. It does not follow human logic. His love cannot be fully expressed in words—it was demonstrated in action on the cross for us.

Many other faiths demand action to prove devotion—sacrifices, self-inflicted pain, offerings of silver and gold—to prove love for their god. They demand that you give in order to receive.

But the love of Jesus Christ gives first.

He gives in abundance.He gives grace.He gives mercy.He gives forgiveness.

And He asks for nothing in return except our heart.

What a privilege it is to know a God who is slow to anger, patient with us, ever-forgiving, and longing for relationship with us.

Can you deny such an invitation?

An invitation that not only blesses you, but blesses your generation and the generations to come?

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You that You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We surrender our hearts to You completely. Let Your love flow through us and bless the generations after us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.