God lightens our punishment compared

to our evil deeds and great sins.

Ezra said, "All that has happened to us,

even though we have sinned greatly

and been subjected to a severe punishment,

you our God have not abandoned us and have been gracious

in reducing our guilt

and granting us a remnant of escape like this"

(Ezra 9:13-14).

As I reflect on this passage,

I am grateful that God, despite our wickedness and great sins,

lightens our punishment.

If God were to punish us fully for our sins,

not one of us would survive.

It reminds me of the hymn,

"We have often been unfaithful to the Lord"

(verse 1 and chorus), which goes:

(Verse 1)

We have often been unfaithful to the Lord,

But my Lord Jesus still calls me,

And shows His true love.

(Chorus)

For You, Lord, are always true,

For You, Lord, are always true,

For You, Lord, are always true,

Always, I need You.

Surely, it is by God's grace!