Abounding in Mercy

A young woman said, I love the word “abounding.” She smiled when the made the statement, feeling a bit foolish over her emphasis on a single word. She was referring to its use in a psalm she had read that morning: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Ps. 103:8 NKJV) By was of explanation she went on to say, “It sounds so,” and she paused while extending her arms, “inclusive. It sounds so round . . . like it’s expanding.”

According to the psalm, God desires to be inclusive and His kingdom is always expanding. The psalm says that God doesn’t remain angry forever. He continually expands His love as He reaches out to accept all who come to Him with repentant hearts. In addition, as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (v. 11,12)

Furthermore, God’s mercy never ends. It expands into eternity. (v. 17) All who belong to Him benefit from His never-ending, inclusive, expanding, and abounding mercy—in this life and in heaven where He reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lord.(v. 19)

Originally published February 7, 1992.