Meet Pam McGee

Author King David begins the psalm declaring God’s love and justice. Whenever I read this passage, my mind actually sings the word sing. I trace that back to helping our kids learn this chapter, with all of the hand motions and memorizing techniques that go along with teaching children. We often review these verses, especially at various milestones, such as starting school or getting a phone or driver’s license. It's a reminder of God’s character and the holiness He calls us to as His followers.

In this chapter, David sets the bar high for holy living, and, in Philippians 1:27 Paul does as well when he says, “[L]et your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” But here’s the kicker: even as people who are growing to become more fully devoted followers of Christ, we’ll fall short many times a day on this side of eternity! (In fact, as I write this, I’m convicted that I need to make a call and ask someone to forgive me for taking part in gossip—ouch!) The only way I can live a holy and worthy life is through the work of the gospel, one time on the cross, and daily in my life.

In The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer writes, “[God] always acts like Himself, . . . He never suspends one of His attributes in order to exercise another.” God is completely just and completely loving at the same time. While His justice requires payment for sin, His love desires for humans to be restored to fellowship with Him. Jesus paid that atonement for our sin so that both God’s justice and love are maintained: that's the gospel!

So, in the times when my life reflects even a glimpse of Jesus, I'm thankful, knowing it's only because of the work He did on the cross. And in the times when I need to make that call asking forgiveness, I'm grateful, knowing His perfect justice and love have already done their work to restore me. Both of these cases clearly show the gospel lived out, and it makes me want to sing!