A God Who Is "Ready to Forgive"-Why Jehovah Is "Ready to Forgive"

Jehovah is aware of our limitations.  "He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust," says Psalm 103:14.  He does not forget that we are creatures of dust, having families, or weaknesses, as a result of imperfection.  The expression he knows "the formation of us" reminds us that the Bible likens Jehovah to a potter and to us the clay vessels he forms.  (Jeremiah 18:2-6)  The Great Potter tempers his dealings with us according to the frailty of our sinful nature and the way we respond or fail to respond to his guidance. 

Jehovah understands how powerful sin is. His Word describes sin as a potent force that has man in its deadly grip.  Just how strong is sin's hold?  In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul explains: We are "under sin," as soldiers are under their commander  (Romans 5-3:9); sin has "ruled" over mankind like a king (Romans 5:21); it "resides," or is  "dwelling," within us (Romans 7:17, 20); its "law" is continually at work in us, in effect trying to control our course.  (Romans 7:23, 25) What a powerful hold sin has on our fallen flesh! - Romans 7:21, 24. 

Next time: A God Who Is "Ready to Forgive"-Conclusion of Why Jehovah Is "Ready to Forgive" 

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah