February 24

February 24, 2026

Read: Psalm 103:8-14

Devotion: 

How many times a day do you (myself included) get easily frustrated? Someone might have rolled to a stop sign and gone ahead of you, even though you were there first. You might be in a check out lane and the clerk is taking her time just chatting with the person in front of you. Doesn’t she know you’re in a hurry? What about that person gossiping and spreading lies about you? It’s so easy to react quickly and do or say things we know we shouldn’t.

The description of the LORD in today’s reading is almost incomprehensible, isn’t it? Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger. The Message Bible says GOD is sheer mercy and grace. How I wish I could always be that patient person! This Psalm meets us right where we are. Not with condemnation and punishment, but with love and forgiveness that we don’t deserve, but are given because God loves us.

When you think about your mistakes and ask forgiveness, that’s the end of it. God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west”. We don’t have to wonder if grace has any limits! We confess, God forgives. He doesn’t keep bringing it back up or holding it over our head. God has already released what we keep revisiting. We get a fresh start.

During this season of Lent, let’s remember that God is kind and full of love. This, in turn, should help us to be patient and forgiving with others in the same way God is with us!

Reflect: 

Have you been holding something against another person that you need to let go of? Remember, when we pray, repent, and fast, we aren’t earning forgiveness; we are simply opening ourselves to receive what God is eager to give us.

Pray: 

Lord God, thank you that I can bring my flaws, failures, and weaknesses to you and You love me in spite of myself. I’m so grateful that once the confession leaves my lips you don’t stay mad at me and give me forgiveness. Teach me to be patient and forgiving with others in the same way You are with me. Amen.