According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
- Psalm 51
I know a thing or two about blotting out. I am a spiller. Chronic. I should not wear white, especially dress shirts, as they always end up with stains. I lean against stuff, spill what I am drinking, splash when doing the dishes...I stain. I have gotten quite familiar with Spray and Wash, Tide pens, and Shout wipes. I am always amazed at how a little cool water, a toothbrush, and these magically forgiving chemicals can get the gunk off my shirts. It is as if the event never happened. Is that how it is with God and our sin? We bear the consequences of our actions -- if I speak a harsh word, that damage can be forgiven but not undone completely between humans. With God however, when I turn and repent and seek forgiveness, according to the Psalm that transgression is blotted out, washed away, and before Him I am cleansed. Just like the Tide pen, I am not sure how it all works exactly, but I am grateful for the grace.