“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” — Psalm 25:7 NIV

Many elderly people find themselves on their deathbed with haunting memories from the days of their youth and stupidity. Mistakes made and indiscretions of the past can stir up doubt about one’s hope for the afterlife. However, the psalmist here reminds us that God is a god of love and that means that His judgment considers all the circumstances surrounding those regrets.

God judges the heart and considers our attitude toward those things as we are today. Would our 70 year old self do what our 17 year old self did? For most of us, the answer is “No” and that means God’s forgiveness covers our past.