Does God Keep a Grudge?

Mark: If you feel like God could never want you, hear this. My brother still brings up my wedding toast, so does God keep a tally like that too?

Sarah: That's a heavy thing to carry. Micah asks 'Who is a God like you?' near the end of his book, so let's read Micah 7:18-19 together.

Scripture: Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Mark: Okay, that's gentler than I expected. But who's actually saying this, and who is he talking to?

Sarah: That's probably Micah, since the book ostensibly records his sayings, and it reads like prayer. Just before this, verse 14 asks God to shepherd his people, and God is quoted promising marvelous things, as in the days of Egypt. And Micah's name means 'Who is like Yahweh?'

Mark: Huh. But doesn't God get angry? Is this just wiping all of that out?

Sarah: Anger's in there, and I won't pretend it isn't. But notice what Micah says: God doesn't keep his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. That's the part I hold onto.

Mark: So what about me, though? I've done things I'm not proud of. I can't just assume it's all fine.

Sarah: Honestly, I've got my own list. I can't earn this by cleaning up my act. Micah says God pardons iniquity, and that sounds like a gift, not a paycheck.

Mark: Part of me keeps waiting for the catch. What would I even do with a gift like that?

Sarah: Talk to Jesus honestly, even just 'Jesus, I want to know you.' He died for our sins and rose again, and we receive forgiveness by trusting him. And if you'd rather talk with me first, I'm here, and I'd love that.

Sarah: Carry this into today: Micah says God pardons and delights in loving kindness. I love you. Follow along, and we'll keep asking the real questions together.