"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." (Psalm 103:8) "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies." (Psalm 25:10)

The legend is told of a desert wanderer who found a crystal spring of unsurpassed freshness. The water was so pure he decided to bring some to his king. Barely satisfying his own thirst, he filled a leather bottle with the clear liquid and carried it many days beneath the desert sun before he reached the palace. When he finally laid his offering at the feet of his sovereign, the water had become stale due to the old container in which it had been stored. However, the king would not let his faithful subject even imagine that it was unfit for use. He tasted it with expressions of gratitude and delight, and his loyal servant went away with a joyful heart. After he was gone, others sampled the water, and expressed their surprise that the king had even pretended to enjoy it. The King said, "It is not the water I tasted, but the love that prompted the offering."

Many times our service is marked by multiplied imperfections, but our King looks at our love for Him, and says, "I will be merciful to My people."