“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
(Psalm 86:15)
This verse in Psalms beautifully showcases those attributes of God like compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy, and truth which are essential not only for salvation but also for enjoying an ongoing relationship with Him. In fact, this singular passage supports the entire narrative of God’s merciful interaction with His people.[1]
In a display of infinite grace, mercy, and love, God sent His Son to redeem sinners, to free them from bondage to sin, and transform them from slaves of Satan into His own sons and daughters. He accomplished this transformation through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ on the cross. As this passage indicates, God opened His heart of compassion without reservation—even “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8)—to complete redemption and restore His people to Himself.
But before these gracious gifts of salvation and relationship can be enjoyed, there must be recognition and hatred of sin as God hates it, confession and forsaking of it, and a life aligned with His Word. Only then can the magnitude of who He is and the bounty He shares be rightly appreciated. For though believers stumble and fall in their walk with Him, His mercy, compassion, grace, truth, and patience remain steadfast.
The Heavenly Father also gifts His children with the presence of His Spirit, who comes to indwell every believer at the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit becomes an ever-present comforter, helper, strength, teacher, and intercessor (John 14:26). His continual presence within replaces former hopelessness and despair with the joy, peace, and love of God. And as these gifts are embraced, this overflowing bounty from the Father through His Spirit continues the work of transformation, conforming His children into the image of His Son.
These bountiful gifts of God which are inexhaustible expressions of His being become an active force within. Through the Spirit’s work, they invite believers into a deeper love and appreciation for the Father and foster a relationship that surpasses all others.
Contemplations:
- Reflecting on God’s patience. When I think about the patience of God, I’m amazed at His enduring mercy. Despite the repeated failings of our human nature, demonstrated from the days of Noah to the Israelites in the wilderness to the present day, God remains “slow to anger” (Nehemiah 9:17). His patience is a testimony of His love for me and it challenges me to reflect that same patience and understanding toward others.
- Embracing His Spirit within. The transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is beyond understanding. When I think of Christ’s metaphor that new wine needs new vessels (Matthew 9:17), it strikes me that becoming a new vessel for God’s Spirit is an ongoing process of sanctification. This calls me to live out my faith with integrity that I may be a worthy home for such a precious gift.
- The depth of God’s sacrificial love. The love of God, which moved Him to give His only Son, overwhelms me. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). This inestimable gift was a declaration of love so deep that it forever changed the relationship between God and His people. I cannot read that verse without being humbled by its power and drawn to greater gratitude.
- The renewal of our vision. When I consider the miracle of the incarnation, when God appeared in “the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), I am moved to see my world and my trials through the reality of God’s redemptive love. His gifts open my eyes to a vision renewed by His compassion and grounded in His mercy.
Prayer (thanksgiving):
O Lord my God, I lift my heart in gratitude for the abundance of Your mercy. You are full of compassion, gracious and longsuffering, rich in truth and steadfast in love. I thank You for not dealing with me as my sins deserve but instead covering me with the righteousness of Your Son. In Him I have found forgiveness, life, and peace.
I thank You for the cross of Christ, where mercy and truth met together, where righteousness and peace embraced. There Your wrath was satisfied and Your compassion displayed in its fullest measure. Lord Jesus, I praise You for willingly bearing my curse, for standing in my place, and for opening the way back to the Father.
I thank You for the patience that has carried me through my failings. Time and again I have strayed, yet You have not cast me off. Your longsuffering love humbles me and leads me to repentance. I cannot count the times You have withheld judgment, giving space for my heart to be turned again toward You.
I thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who dwells in me. He strengthens me when I am weak, convicts me when I stray, and intercedes for me when I cannot find words. His presence is my assurance that I am never forsaken. Through Him I taste the joy, peace, and love that belong to Your kingdom, even while I live in this broken world.
I thank You for the daily provision of Your Word. Each page testifies to Your compassion and grace and anchors me in Your truth. By it I am reminded of Your promises and strengthened to endure.
I thank You for the unmeasured depth of Your love, revealed in the sacrifice of Your only begotten Son. Such love is beyond comprehension. You gave the most precious gift for one as unworthy as me, and in that gift You secured my salvation and adopted me as Your child.
I thank You for the renewal You bring each day. You have not only forgiven me but also are shaping me into the likeness of Your Son. Trials that once seemed unbearable are transformed into instruments of grace, teaching me patience, endurance, and trust. I see Your hand even in hardship, working all things for good.
Lord, keep me ever mindful of Your compassion and mercy. Let thanksgiving be the rhythm of my life. May gratitude shape my thoughts, season my speech, and guide my actions. Let my life testify to Your generosity and steadfast love, so that all who see me may see the reflection of Christ and glorify Your name.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Psalm 86:15:
Psalm 86:5, Numbers 14:18, Psalm 145:8, Deuteronomy 4:31
[1] Augustine of Hippo, S. Augustine’s Manuel Containing Special, and Piked Meditations, and Godly Prayers (Imprinted at London: By Henrie Denham, dwelling in Pater Noster Row, at the sign of the Starre. Cum priuilegio Regiæ Maiestatis, 1581), 65.
