Micah 7:18
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
There is no one like God in forgiving, for He pardons wrongdoing and overlooks the transgressions of those who belong to Him, and He does not hold onto anger because mercy is His delight. His forgiveness is full and tender, as He shows compassion again, overcomes evil, removes sin entirely from sight, and remains faithful to His promises. This pardon upholds justice because Christ the sinless One carried the guilt of sinners, so God remains righteous in His law while declaring believers righteous through Jesus. It is offered to everyone, even the worst of sinners, and is received by each person who asks in living faith, acknowledges wrong, and comes confessing to be welcomed into His family. This mercy is not forced on anyone but invites response, and those who receive it are to reflect it by bearing patiently with others, refusing harsh judgment, and making His love known in word and deed.
God's Unmatched Forgiving Mercy
There is no god like Him in pardoning, for He alone has authority to forgive sin and to pass over transgression. He pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage, and He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness. His delight in mercy is the reason He pardons His people rather than holding anger against them.
His pardon is complete and compassionate: He again has compassion, subdues and removes iniquities, and casts sins away completely into the depths of the sea. In doing so He keeps His covenant promises. Even those who have wandered far from Him are not forgotten, for their misery and sin make them objects of His compassion, and He longs and makes sacrifice to rescue them. He treats people better than they deserve, showing kindness even to the unthankful and evil, and His mercy reaches even the deepest depths of human sin to pardon the repentant.
This mercy reveals His character and glory. He delights in mercy and is willing to forgive sin, and He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Destruction and the announcement of judgment are a strange work to Him, and in mercy and love He reveals the future consequences of sin.
Receiving and Reflecting Mercy
Forgiveness in Micah 7:18 is consistent with justice because the sinless One has borne the sinner's guilt, so God remains just to His law while justifying those who believe in Jesus. Through Christ that pardoning mercy that delights not to retain anger forever is extended to the world.
That mercy is offered to all, even the chief of sinners, holding out invitation and rejecting none, with deliverance from sin and the righteousness of Christ. It welcomes the weak and sinful who come to Him, repent, and choose to belong to His heritage. Faith lifts the repentant soul thus received to share in the adoption of His children.
Pardon is full and available to each person who asks in living faith. It is given to those who recognize their wrongs and come confessing them. It is received by accepting Heaven's call instead of demanding judgment against others while refusing mercy oneself.
Mercy does not force acceptance; the sinner must respond to the opportunities given. Patience and mercy can be exhausted by persistent rebellion and refusal of grace. Those who refuse mercy and persist in rebellion will perish.
Forgiveness and judgment over sin belong to God alone, who has authority to pardon transgression, have compassion, subdue iniquity, cast sins away, and keep covenant promises. No human leader or shepherd can take His place as sin-bearer or conscience, for none can read hearts.
Jesus continues to love and patiently bear with people despite faults, neglect, ingratitude, and disobedience in order to save them. Because He treats people with such mercy, those who follow Him should be tender toward others and avoid harsh condemnation. They should express that mercy by telling others of God's love in word and acting it out.