“…but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:6)
God wanted Israel to understand how great His love is, and He addresses this in the third commandment.
Love does not ignore sin, nor is love indifferent to sin. God would punish the people who ignored his will. “Visiting the iniquity of the fathers …”. This is the negative side of the story, but the positive follows quickly: “But showing mercy …”.
God desires that we love Him. How can we demonstrate that love? By keeping His commandments. Living in agreement to His will is the appropriate response to His mercy. God’s mercy is never-ending. He does not limit his mercy to a specific group of people.
The Hebrew word for “mercy” can also be translated as grace, goodness, love, and faithfulness. God promised this to Israel, His people, and He keeps His promises. God stands by His people; He protects them and counsels them. This applies to you too if you believe in Jesus Christ.
God is your loving Father. He is merciful to you, He saves you, and He gives your life meaning. We receive this gift by following Jesus, who has perfectly kept God’s commandments. He did it for you, a sinner, but through faith in Christ Jesus you are holy!
Do you want to bask in His love? May God bless you as you journey through life.