We noted in our prior lesson that Jehovah is a God who must be obeyed, He is a God of consequences, and He will not tolerate impenitence.

And now, on the positive side, we have two exhortations seen in Psalm 51:

Jehovah is a God who is merciful (Psalm 51:1).
"Have mercy on me, O God" - David asks for mercy because he knows God is merciful! Other Bible passages teach this plainly: Psalm 103:8 - "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." Luke 6:36 - "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." God is not merciful to everyone, however; He is merciful to those who repent of their sins. For instance, Jeremiah 3:12,13 records - "'Return, backsliding Israel,' says the Lord; 'I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,' says the Lord; 'I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity that you have transgressed against the Lord your God.'" Also, II Chronicles 30:9 - "For if you return to the Lord your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him." There are many other passages that support this point. We should all be thankful that God is merciful!

Jehovah is a God who is full of lovingkindness (Psalm 51:1).
David begs for mercy according to God's "lovingkindness." David knows that God is full of lovingkindness. What is lovingkindness? It is the best type of kindness possible; it is kindness that is overflowing with love. Once a little boy was asked to explain what lovingkindness was, and this is what he said: When I go to my friend's house and stay for a snack, his mom will give us toast--that's kindness. But if she puts jam on it, then that's lovingkindness! The Bible certainly portrays God as a kind and loving being. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." We should all be thankful that God is so full of lovingkindness.

Isn't it easy to fall in love with God, once we know who He is? He is merciful and full of lovingkindness. It is true that He demands obedience and will not tolerate impenitence; it is true that He is a God of consequences, but doesn't He as our Creator and Sustainer have the right to expect such of His creation? Indeed He does.

If I had to sum this series up in one sentence, it would be this: We need to understand that we are guilty, but God is gracious to those who seek Him and turn from sin! Isn't that what Isaiah 66:2 teaches? God says: "But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." Also, Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise." God wants us to have godly sorrow over our sins (cf. II Cor. 7:10).

Friends, do you know the God of David? John 17:3 - "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." The God of David loves you! Do you love the God of David?"If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15).