Mercy is a key attribute of God and an essential concept in the Bible. It is often defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Biblically, mercy is God’s unmerited kindness, love, and patience toward humanity, offering grace and forgiveness instead of judgment. It is also an attitude and action believers are called to embody in their relationships with others.
Key Aspects of Mercy in the Bible
- God’s Mercy Mercy is an inherent attribute of God, revealed throughout Scripture in His dealings with humanity.
- Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV):
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'” - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV):
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV):
- God’s mercy is shown through His patience, forgiveness, and deliverance from judgment.
- Mercy Through Salvation God’s mercy is demonstrated supremely in salvation through Jesus Christ. He forgives sin and offers eternal life to those who believe in Him.
- Titus 3:5 (NIV):
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV):
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
- Titus 3:5 (NIV):
- Human Response to God’s Mercy Believers are called to reflect God’s mercy by showing compassion and forgiveness to others.
- Micah 6:8 (NIV):
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Luke 6:36 (NIV):
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
- Micah 6:8 (NIV):
- Mercy in Relationships Mercy involves extending kindness and forgiveness to others, even when they do not deserve it.
- Matthew 5:7 (NIV):
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - James 2:13 (NIV):
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
- Matthew 5:7 (NIV):
Characteristics of Mercy
- Compassion and Kindness Mercy is a heartfelt response to the suffering or wrongdoing of others, often accompanied by action to relieve their distress.
- Psalm 103:13 (NIV):
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
- Psalm 103:13 (NIV):
- Forgiveness Mercy often involves withholding punishment that is deserved.
- Psalm 103:10 (NIV):
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
- Psalm 103:10 (NIV):
- Patience Mercy is demonstrated in God’s willingness to delay judgment and give opportunities for repentance.
- 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV):
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
- 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV):
Examples of Mercy in the Bible
- God’s Mercy Toward Israel Despite Israel’s repeated rebellion, God continued to show mercy and forgive them.
- Nehemiah 9:31 (NIV):
“But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.”
- Nehemiah 9:31 (NIV):
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus illustrated mercy through the story of the Good Samaritan, who showed compassion to a stranger in need.
- Luke 10:33-34 (NIV):
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.”
- Luke 10:33-34 (NIV):
- The Forgiving King In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus highlighted the importance of showing mercy to others as God has shown mercy to us.
- Matthew 18:33 (NIV):
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
- Matthew 18:33 (NIV):
Why Mercy Is Important
- Reflects God’s Character Showing mercy mirrors God’s own nature and His dealings with humanity.
- Psalm 86:15 (NIV):
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
- Psalm 86:15 (NIV):
- Essential for Forgiveness Mercy plays a vital role in receiving and extending forgiveness.
- Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV):
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV):
- Key to Eternal Reward Mercy is a kingdom value that results in eternal blessings.
- Matthew 5:7 (NIV):
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
- Matthew 5:7 (NIV):
Conclusion
Mercy is the compassionate withholding of judgment and the extension of kindness, rooted in God’s love for humanity. God’s mercy is displayed in His patience, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to embody this divine attribute in their lives, showing mercy to others as they have received mercy from God.
- Psalm 136:1 (NIV):
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
(In Hebrew, the word “love” here can also be translated as “mercy.”)