Chapter One
GOD'S KINDNESS TO USPsalm 103
There are a lot of parallels between being children in a
physical sense and being a child of God. One of the most
blatant similarities is gratefulness-or the lack thereof.
Children are often self-centered and at times are hardly
aware of the kindness that is extended to them by their
parents.
As God's children, our awareness and appreciation of
his kindness should be as natural as breathing fresh air.
Yet that is not always the case. We need eyes that see
and hearts that believe that God's kindness extends to
us. As you look closely at God's kindness in Psalm 103, ask him to open your eyes to all that is there.
Warming Up
1. What do you think it would be like never to have experienced
God's kindness?
Digging In
2. Read Psalm 103. According to verses 2-5, what kind and loving
things has God done for us?
3. In this first paragraph (vv. 2-5), how does God's loving-kindness
meet our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?
4. Which of the Lord's "benefits" have you experienced this week? Explain.
5. As you read the psalmist's description of God in verses 6-14, what
kind of portrait emerges?
6. How are God's kindness and love demonstrated in his treatment
of the oppressed (vv. 6-7)?
7. How is God's loving-kindness revealed in the way he treats those
who sin (vv. 8-12)?
8. In what ways do you struggle with accepting God's forgiveness?
How can these verses help you to live in the freedom of his forgiveness?
9. How does God respond to our frailty and mortality (vv. 13-19)?
(Continues.)
