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“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:10,11).

When we meet one another face to face, in our conversation over the phone, or when we write a letter to a friend we often ask the question, “How are you?” It’s so common that, at times, I have taken a phone call and out of habit responded with the customary, "Fine" only to realize after doing so that I answered the question before they even asked it! Occasionally I respond with such phrases as "I’m doing great" or "I’m blessed" attempting to give a bit more of a meaningful response.

Some dealing with a trial or some emotional ups and downs in life, may respond with a very candid admission, "I’m gonna make it" or "I’m overcoming" and far more common, "I'm hangin’ in there!"

But today let us consider a true expression which can also be a thought-provoking response to the typical greeting. Many of you have heard it. It also provides an opportunity for a witness, assuming you have the boldness to go there and further explain your response.

We are considering the response most have probably heard, "Better than I deserve". I’ve done that and the response can be quite interesting, although it may take a few seconds for the words to sink in.

In one sense I consider the phrase as a counter to the whiny, entitlement outlook that permeates our culture. It seems so many, no matter how full their cup, fix their gaze on the empty portion. They center on that which is lacking in their lives and what they feel they’re entitled to. Politicians are great at pandering to this attitude with promises such as "I’ll fight for you" or "Help is on the way". That’s a sizeable and growing voting constituency.

But it’s the spiritual application of doing "better than I deserve" that really blesses me. Consider just the first phrase in the daily text, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve". That’s a portion of Scripture verse that you can memorize as you repeat it to yourself throughout the day. In fact you may want to personalize it, "God does not treat me as my sins deserve".

What do our sins deserve? The Bible answers in a simple Scripture phrase many of us have memorized. "The wages of sin is death". That is: spiritual death, separation from God, eternal judgment, hell. Not a popular theme in the modern church, infiltrated with the "I’m OK, You’re OK" outlook launched in the 70’s.

The next time you’re asked, “How are you?” consider the great love the Father has for you and gratefully respond, "Not as my sins deserve!” It might lead to a discussion that takes you below the surface to a conversation of the heart.

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13