"If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared." -- Psalm 130:3-4

I read this and think of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13 where he says "Love keeps no record of wrongs..."  and am reminded that the most perfect model of love is God.  The psalmist had a sense of this, though not with the same understanding as one has from a New Testament perspective.  Regardless, he was correct in writing that if God was not loving-- was not Love-- we wouldn't have a chance.  If we were created to be in relationship with God and with each other, how many times have we dishonored those relationships?  How many times have we fallen short of being the friend we could have been, the spouse, the brother, the sister, the daughter, the son, the father, the mother, the teacher, the student... we all fall short.  And yet, we find forgiveness and new beginnings in our relationships that are fashioned out of the love of God.  Ever feel dread connecting with a person you knew you really let down?  And then you're surprised to find they love you, forgive you, and continue in relationship with you anyway?  If so, then you understand "grace".  As God has loved you, so you should love others.

Readings:  1 Kings 9:1-10:29; Acts 8:14-40; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 17:2-3