Psalms 86:5 – “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 86:5 is a powerful reminder of God’s character. David acknowledges that God is not only forgiving but also good. These are not abstract qualities; they are deeply personal. When David speaks of God being “forgiving,” he means that God is ready to pardon those who come to Him with humble hearts. God’s goodness is expressed in His actions toward those who seek Him.
The phrase “abounding in love” points to the limitless nature of God’s love. This love is not reserved for a select few; it is available to “all who call to” God. The condition here is not about being perfect but about sincerely reaching out to God in faith. David is assuring us that God’s heart is always open to those who turn to Him, no matter their past or current struggles.
Historical Context
David wrote Psalm 86 during a time of great need. He was often surrounded by enemies and faced betrayal, personal failures, and moments of deep sorrow. Despite these challenges, David’s understanding of God’s character remained steadfast.
In the ancient world, people often saw gods as distant and unpredictable. But David’s relationship with God was based on trust, knowing that the God of Israel was both loving and merciful. Unlike the gods of other nations who were feared for their wrath, David’s God was approachable and eager to forgive.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals several important truths about God. First, it tells us that God is forgiving. He is not quick to punish or hold grudges. Instead, God is always willing to forgive those who sincerely come to Him. This is central to the Christian understanding of God’s grace.
Second, God is described as “good.” His goodness means that He is morally perfect, kind, and generous. God’s goodness is the foundation for our trust in Him, especially when life is hard or confusing.
Lastly, God’s love is described as “abounding.” This means it’s overflowing, limitless, and available to everyone. This love is not just an emotion but a committed, enduring love that God shows to all who seek Him.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 86 is structured as a prayer, filled with both desperation and confidence. In verse 5, David uses parallelism—a common feature in Hebrew poetry—by pairing “forgiving” with “good” and connecting God’s “abounding love” with those who call on Him. The verse flows naturally from David’s heartfelt plea, emphasizing God’s readiness to forgive and show love.
The repetition of God’s attributes throughout Psalm 86 emphasizes that David is not simply asking for help; he is reminding himself and others of who God is. The poetic structure invites readers to meditate on each characteristic of God, making it a powerful declaration of faith.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 34:6-7 – “The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.”
- Psalm 103:8-12 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve.”
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
These passages emphasize God’s unfailing love and readiness to forgive, showing that this truth runs throughout the entire Bible.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, Psalm 86:5 is a source of great comfort. It reassures us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how many mistakes we have made, God is always ready to forgive us if we turn to Him. We live in a world where forgiveness can often seem conditional or limited, but God’s forgiveness is freely offered to all who genuinely seek it.
This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, not because of our own goodness, but because of His. It’s a call to trust that God’s love is not only available but overflowing toward those who reach out to Him in faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 86:5 beautifully reflects God’s loving nature. God’s willingness to forgive is a direct expression of His love. Unlike human love, which can be fickle or conditional, God’s love is constant and abundant. This verse shows that God’s love is not based on what we do but on who He is.
God’s forgiveness and goodness are tied to His love. Because He loves us, He forgives us. Because He is good, He treats us far better than we deserve. This is why David could confidently call on God in his times of need—he knew that God’s love was unchanging.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 86:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s forgiveness, goodness, and abounding love. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus reached out to the broken, the sinful, and the outcasts, offering forgiveness and hope (Luke 19:10, Matthew 11:28-30).
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we have been given access to God’s forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate demonstration of God’s abounding love for humanity (Romans 5:8). Because of Christ, we can confidently call on God, knowing that He hears us and is eager to extend His mercy.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you personally experience God’s forgiveness in your life?
- In what ways can you better trust in God’s goodness during challenging times?
- How can this verse encourage you to call on God more frequently and confidently?
- What does “abounding in love” mean to you in your relationship with God?
- How does understanding God’s willingness to forgive change the way you view yourself and others?
These questions are intended to help deepen your understanding of God’s character and inspire a closer walk with Him, rooted in the confidence that He is always forgiving, good, and overflowing with love.