Normally we don't like the idea that we need forgiveness, nor do we like to know that God has mercy on us... But as we grow older we realise that we are not the people we want to be, nor are we the people God wants us to be. And we become glad that He is so forgiving and so merciful. That we are chosen in spite of our failings. We can't earn salvation, so instead let us all accept it, with thankful hearts.