“The LORD is merciful and gracious,... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." (Psalm 103:8). This statement occurs eight times in the Bible; it is a governmental principle of God's. On the first occasion, He spoke thus to Moses, when the people of Israel broke the law that had just been given (cf. ).
Today's verse reveals a common reaction to God's patience. People make it an excuse to continue their evil deeds. This can only mean that God's gracious dealings are interpreted as toleration or even a proof against His existence. What a fateful error! The Bible warns against it earnestly:
"Do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath against the day of wrathof God, who will render to each one according to his deeds" (Romans 2:4-6).
"You hate instruction and cast my words behind you. When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother, you slander your mother's son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you but I will rebuke you and set them in order before your eyes" (Psalm 50:17-21).
"The Lordis longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9).
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10:6-11:13