No One Is Forcing God to Forgive You

by

If you perceive God’s forgiveness as something He is obligated to do, you miss the heart required to make it happen. No one is forcing God to forgive you, but He actually desires to do so.

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Isaiah 30:18

Amid Isaiah’s warnings to God’s people, he offers this encouraging reminder. While the message had been a call for repentance and warnings of judgment, Isaiah never wavered from the fact that God was willing to forgive. Even though solemn words had been spoken, God was still open to observing and responding to the people’s repentance. 

God’s people were not acting like God’s people. They needed to change. More than lip service, they needed to repent. 

Whenever we are in trouble with someone, we understandably believe that the individual is so frustrated that he or she doesn’t want us around. A child is worried that a parent is fit to be tied. A worker is nervous that a pink slip is coming. We often think that God may love us but are unsure if He really likes us. This verse helps remedy our poor theology.

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy” (Isa. 30:18). He does not hope you will fail to repent. He actually desires to give us forgiveness. He is on the edge of His seat, hoping you will turn back to Him.

The NASB translates this verse in an eye-opening way: “The LORD longs to be gracious to you…how blessed are all those who long for Him.” He is eagerly desirous about getting the sin out of the way. He doesn’t have to forgive you; he wants to. 

So, if the LORD knows all about your sin and is eager to forgive you, what are you waiting for? He is ready to rise and show you the compassion you desperately need. Even in His just nature, He is yet remarkably compassionate. You will find the joy, peace, and happiness that your soul needs in the forgiveness of Jesus.

If you have never trusted in Jesus for salvation, call on Him to be saved.

If you have trusted in Jesus for salvation but are struggling in continual sin, call on Him now in repentance. Turn from your ways and rid yourself of anything blocking your view of Him.