This psalm describes God’s character and relationship with all creation. Also, God’s promises of steadfast love and mercy are not new but long-standing promises “from of old” that continue to be fulfilled. God’s characteristics as “steadfast in love” and “merciful” indicate God’s desire for relationship with creation. God’s character and desire for relationship figure prominently in Psalm 25. Psalm 25 demonstrates two complementary dynamics of God’s relationship with creation: (1) God’s actions toward humanity and creation and (2) humanity’s response and receiving of God’s holiness.
The Advent theme of waiting comes into play in verses 3 and 5. The psalmist awaits God’s instruction. In verse 5 the psalmist also acknowledges God’s promise of salvation. Steadfast love and mercy characterize God’s salvation. That steadfast love grants forgiveness for all transgressions. God’s desire for relationship is not limited to those able to meet the requirements or maintain expectations of worthiness. Instead, God, with steadfast love and mercy, forgives all sins.
Some Christians refer to God’s forgiveness of sin as the doctrine of “justification.” As a child I learned this concept with the phrase “just as if I never sinned” as a play on the term justification. For John Wesley, the doctrine of justification indicates what God does for us, clothing us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ and forgiving all sins. There is nothing we must do, or can do, to earn God’s forgiveness; it’s part of the unconditional love God freely offers to us all.