The Mercy Of God

9 To the LORD our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; —Daniel 9:9 (KJV)



The Mercy of God

Just as strong as the judgement is the Bible’s recognition of God’s mercy, by His grace, God extends help and forgiveness to sinners who deserve only condemnation, as well as practical help to those are suffering under life’s burdens. God shows compassion toward those who have broken the law (Daniel 9:9; 1 Timothy 1:13-16), although such mercy is selectively bestowed upon the undeserving (Romans 9:14-18). God’s mercy extends beyond withheld punishment (Ephesians 2:4-6) to include the blessings of salvation.

Jesus Showed Mercy Toward The Afflicted When He Healed Them

Jesus showed mercy toward the afflicted when He healed them, as in the case of the blind men (Matthew 9:27-31; Matthew 20:29-34) and lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus was modeling the behavior He expects from His followers: because God is merciful, He expects us to be merciful as well.

• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
• Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)

Mercy Is Seen In God's Compassion

Mercy is seen in God’s compassion toward the suffering and His willingness to restore those whose own sins have separated them from Him. God sovereignly determines to extend mercy by withholding punishment from sinners and restoring them to fellowship with Himself. God also exhibits His mercy through His providence, such as healing and rescue from danger. God expects us to show mercy to others as well.

Mercy (Major Old Testament Verses)

• God’s mercy described as great (Isaiah 54:7)
• sure (Isaiah 55:3)
• tender (Psalms 25:6)
• new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)
• seen especially in forgiveness (Psalms 51:1)
• believers are to cast themselves on Gods mercy (2 Samuel 24:14)

Mercy (Major New Testament Verses)

• God’s mercy seen in Christ’s mission (Luke 1:72, Luke 1:78)
• salvation (1 Corinthians 7:25; Titus 3:5)
• regeneration (1 Peter 1:3)
• practiced as a gift (Romans 12:8)
• shown in God’s providences (Philippians 2:27)
• obtained through prayer (Hebrews 4:16)
• believes are enjoined to "put on mercy" (Colossians 3:12)