“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:10-12 ESV

His love is everything.Just imagine this picture—His mercy high above, His forgiveness stretched wide from corner to corner. God did not even want you to be uncovered, not even a little, from His love. His love goes far and beyond for us, revealing His mercy, revealing His forgiveness, again and again.

The liars, the murderers, the adulterers, the thieves, the betrayers—all kinds of sinners were given a second chance in the Bible as a testament of His great love and the liberty it brings forth. Again and again, He gives another chance. Again and again, He calls us back. That is His love.

In the voice of the warning of God underlies the voice of a Father’s love—a Father who longs, who waits, who desires to have fellowship with His chosen ones. Even in correction, there is love. Even in warning, there is love. Always love.

You also are given a second chance to experience His great mercy through His grace, made available to you by the blood of Jesus Christ. A second chance, a new beginning, a restored identity—all through His love.

Jacob was asked for his name by the angel of God, and he identified himself as a trickster, revealing his human struggle. But God gave him a new name—Israel—revealing His everlasting covenant. God did not leave him where he was. God does not leave you where you are. His love changes names. His love changes stories.

The Bible says that He does not deal with us harshly for our sins, which we deserve to receive, but God has removed our transgressions so that we may remain in agreement with His covenant love. Not punishment, but mercy. Not rejection, but restoration. That is His love.

Your name, your identity, is not your destiny—His love is. His love defines you. His love covers you. His love carries you.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your love that covers me, restores me, and gives me new beginnings again and again. Thank You for Your mercy that reaches higher than I can see and wider than I can imagine. Help me to walk in the identity You have given me and to remain in Your love always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.