Scripture

Psalm 103:12-14 NRSV

As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.

Consider

Imagine that picture: as far as the east is from the west. To gaze upon the east, you must completely turn away from the west. You cannot look at them together.

So it is with grace and sin. To look at one is to turn your back on the other.

This is what God does when God forgives our sins. In the words of Isaiah, God casts all our sins behind his back and does not remember them. Out of his great compassion, knowing we are weak and helpless to save ourselves, God sent Jesus to remove our sins from view and make us acceptable companions for a holy God.

What’s more, we who have been given such grace must now turn eyes of grace on one another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13). What would it mean to push aside the offense of an enemy and look anew with the eyes of grace? What good would you now see that had been hidden? What gifts and talents, what history of goodness might be revealed? Where might you see the handprint of God on this person’s life? What might you learn from this person?

We can find the strength to forgive our enemies when we remember that we, like them, are dust. This is not the same remembering that prompts God to forgive us. God remembers as an almighty Creator who feels compassion to help us out of our hopeless trap of sin. Our compassion for each other must arise from the deep remembering that we all come from the same dust. Studies tell us that DNA among all humans is 99.9% identical. This sameness does not leave much room for attitudes of superiority or condemnation among us.

As God sets our sins behind his back, let us do the same in our relationships. By shifting our stance, we can refocus our gaze to notice what is lovely and good in our neighbors.

Pray

Gracious Father, I am an expert is spotting sin in others but so blind when it comes to my own. Remind me of your unmerited grace in those moments when I am inclined to take offense and condemn others. Give me compassion for our kindred weakness so that I can put their offense behind my back and look for grace and goodness instead.

Reflect

Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19

Ponder

Why is it so difficult to look for goodness in someone who has offended me?