READ: EXODUS 34:6; PSALM 86; 1 JOHN 3:1

I stepped off the school bus and headed down the sidewalk toward my third-grade class. Sticking my hands in my pockets, I felt for the envelope with that day’s lunch money. I expected to find it there, but I wanted to reassure myself.

However, I didn’t locate the envelope of coins in my pockets, or in my backpack. The payment for my lunch that day must have fallen onto my seat on the bus, but I had already watched the school bus pull away from the building.

I knew I could charge that day’s lunch and bring payment for it the next day. But I dreaded explaining to my parents that I’d lost the money. I feared getting in trouble for being irresponsible. Later, at dinner that night, I somberly told my parents about the missing money. Although I anticipated a scolding, my dad responded differently.

“That’s okay. Don’t worry; we have more money to cover it,” he replied.

My whole body slumped with relief. Instead of showing frustration with me for my mistake, my dad showed me mercy. That day, my earthly father gave me a glimpse of our heavenly Father. No parent is perfect (mine included), but our parents do influence how we believe God sees us. In this instance, even though losing my lunch money was a mistake and not a sin, my dad’s response helped me trust God’s heart for me.

For those who put their trust in Jesus, resting in the work He did on the cross to pay for our sins and give us His righteousness, we receive God’s mercy. No longer are we charged with guilt because of our sin; instead, we belong to a Father who shows us His goodness with abounding grace and compassion. His mercy is bigger than any sin we could commit or any mistake we could make. As His children, we can revel in the truth that God responds to us, even in our messes, not with great anger—but with great love. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Has someone ever shown you God’s heart toward you? What was that like?

• Do you struggle to believe that God is compassionate toward you in your mistakes? If so, why do you think that is? We all feel this way from time to time. Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about this, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors?

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 (NIV)