If I had Less to Forgive

Scripture:
You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;
you open my ears to listen.
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.
Psalm 40:6

Observation: As the psalmist (David) praises the Lord for all he has done, he makes this statement ... the Lord doesn't actually delight in sacrifices and offerings. Sin offerings exist because of sin, and the Lord would much rather have faithful believers who study his word and instruction, and live a life compliant with the Lord's will. Yes, that is impossible, which is why first sacrifice was required, and later the salvation of Jesus was granted, but the very act of sacrifice and offering means we acknowledge we were not compliant to the Lord in the first place.

Application: I find I need to pray for forgiveness more often than I do, and the truth of the matter is that the Lord would love it if I prayed more ... but if those prayers were less about forgiveness because I had less to forgive.

If I had less to forgive, I would find ever aspect of my life was better. It is wonderful that the Lord has provided a path to salvation and forgiveness, but it is even better that the Lord has provided his word to guide a good and proper life.

Prayer: Lord, I have sinned often, and I do ask for your forgiveness. May I draw closer to you and your word, so I have less to forgive, and more of a life simply within your love and grace. Amen.