Oftentimes we forget that God is not only infinite in mercy and forgiveness, but he is infinite in justice as well. We see mere shadows and reflections of true mercy, forgiveness, and justice in our world. The closer we draw to the Lord, however, the better able we are to know “the Lord [who] is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and rich in kindness.” (cf. NAB, PS 145:8) The closer we draw to the Lord, the more we will imitate his perfection of infinite virtue.
This often-quoted verse from Psalm 145, is frequently used in weddings, and several Contemporary Christian songs are similarly titled. It would truly be an incredible world, and most certainly a godly marriage, if we were able to be gracious and merciful with each other, always being slow to anger and rich in kindness. This is our calling if we are to imitate our Creator, if we are to become most perfectly that which we have been created.
Father, teach me to be gracious and merciful with others in my life. I am impatient, selfish, offensive, quickly frustrated, easily angered, and unkind. Forgive my lack of humility. You know my imperfections and my sins. Heal me of them, so that by your grace, I may grow closer to you, and imitate you more and more each day. Amen.
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