[but also an adjective]

Today I am struck that "forgive" is not just a verb and a noun though that's how we often view it. God forgives us, so we should forgive others. God's forgiveness is free, so we should confess and ask for it while also passing it on to others.

It's a "to-do". It's an action. It's a gift given and received.

But what strikes me this morning is that it's also an adjective to describe God, and it's quite powerful that way. Seven times the word "forgiving" is used in my NIV Bible, and four of the seven are to describe God's character:

Nehemiah's prayer on behalf of Israel - "But they, our forefathers, . . . became 

stiff-necked, and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them."    [Nehemiah 9:16-17]

"You are forgiving and good, O LORD, 

abounding in love to all who call on you."    [Psalm 86:5]

O LORD our God you answered them;

you were to Israel a forgiving God."    [Psalm 99:8]

Daniel's prayer on behalf of Israel - "The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him."        [Daniel 9:9]

Forgiving. Something He is not just something He does. His very character, nature and reputation. And to me, that's powerful.

I mean, would you rather someone say you do kind things or that you are a kind person? Would you rather someone comment you played well in a game or that you're a good all-around player? Do you prefer praise that you led well or that you're a true leader? 

I'd pick the second every time. Because it's one thing to do something noticeable, but it's totally different when people see it as part of who you are, as your constant, natural and expected identity.

Even though Israel rebelled against Him, God didn't abandon His character. He was forgiving. Even though they appointed leaders to return to slavery (what?!), God was forgiving. Even though God had every reason to call it quits, give up, and desert His own people, He didn't on account of His character, and He doesn't with us because He's the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Today God showed me forgiving isn't just something He does or we do. It's who God is. In the same way, so was Easter. Not just something He did. Not just an action or verb, but a reflection of His very character - forgiving, redeeming, restoring, reclaiming no matter the cost.