I am in need of forgiveness. Always. And because it is such a frequent need I can become weary of pursuing it—to the point that I want to give up. But, there is no one who can forgive like God. Not only does he have an inexhaustible capacity to forgive, he also takes the initiative in the process. He delights in doing so because this is another way of expressing his glory through the person and work of his son.

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. “You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.’ Micah 7:18, 19

God does not delight in our sin. But he does delight in forgiving us when we go astray. It brings him glory and joy to do so. And the very thought of this fills our own hearts with joy, thanksgiving and peace this season.