The Bible has a lot to say about God’s mercy and how we are called to show mercy to others. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about mercy:
Old Testament Verses on Mercy
“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6 ESV)
This verse describes God as merciful, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful. His attributes showcase his mercy towards his people.
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15 ESV)
The Psalmist praises God for being merciful, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1 ESV)
After sinning, David pleas for God’s mercy and forgiveness according to God’s love and compassion.
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8 ESV)
This oft-quoted verse summarizes God as merciful, patient, and loving.
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12 ESV)
Rather than punishing us as we deserve for our sins, God shows mercy and love by forgiving our sins.
New Testament Verses on Mercy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 ESV)
Jesus teaches that those who show mercy to others will in turn receive mercy themselves.
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13 ESV)
Jesus quotes an Old Testament passage to emphasize God desires us to be merciful more than religious sacrifices and rituals.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36 ESV)
Jesus commands his followers to show the same mercy toward others that God shows to us.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV)
Paul explains that God saved us by his mercy and grace, which flowed from his great love, even though we were dead in sin.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 ESV)
Because God showed us mercy, we are called to clothe ourselves with merciful attributes, like compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.
“Has the Lord’s mercy come to an end? Do his mercies cease forever?” (Lamentations 3:22)
The prophet proclaims that God’s mercy and lovingkindness never fails; it is new every morning.
How God Shows Mercy
The Bible reveals many ways that God demonstrates his mercy toward us:
- God spares us from the just penalty of our sin (Psalm 103:10)
- God is patient, slow to anger and abundantly loving (Psalm 145:8)
- God welcomes the repentant sinner (Luke 15:11-32)
- God provides grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)
- God forgives our sins (1 John 1:9)
- God redeems us from sin and death (Titus 3:5)
- God comforts us in affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- God relieves burdened souls (Matthew 11:28-30)
- God restores the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3)
- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
The mercy of God shines through all circumstances for those who trust in Him. Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).
How We Are Called to Show Mercy
Just as we have received abundant mercy from God, we are expected to show mercy toward others:
- Show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)
- Forgive others as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)
- Love your enemies and do good to them (Luke 6:35-36)
- Welcome and care for those in need (Matthew 25:35-40)
- Speak words of blessing, comfort and encouragement (Ephesians 4:29)
- Help bear others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Cover others’ transgressions with love (Proverbs 10:12)
- Correct with gentleness, patience and care (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
- Give generously to help those in need (Deuteronomy 15:10-11)
Showing mercy brings joy to God and reflects His love to a world in desperate need of compassion. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
“Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13 ESV). God’s desire is to show us mercy. When we humbly seek Him, mercy prevails over the judgment we rightly deserve. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s heart of compassion. While avoiding compromising truth, we are to lead with grace, patience, and forgiveness toward others, just as God has shown mercy to us.
Prayers for Mercy
Many biblical prayers and passages ask God for mercy in time of need. We can make such requests as well.
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.” (Psalm 6:2)
“Turn to me and be gracious to me; Give Your strength to Your servant.” (Psalm 86:16)
“Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness.” (Psalm 51:1)
“Let Your mercy come also to me, O Lord — Your salvation according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:41)
“Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.” (Psalm 25:6)
These passages demonstrate God welcomes our heartfelt prayers for mercy, grace and help. He is ready to shower His compassion upon all who humbly seek Him.
The Mercy of Christ
Jesus perfectly embodied the mercy of God during His earthly ministry:
- He had compassion on the hungry crowds and healed the sick (Matthew 14:14)
- He defended and forgave an adulterous woman (John 8:1-11)
- He healed terrible diseases like leprosy out of compassion (Luke 17:11-19)
- He restored a despised tax collector like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
- He forgave His executioners while suffering on the cross (Luke 23:34)
Jesus treated the most broken, sinful, hurting people with grace, love and compassion. As His followers, we are called to live a life of mercy just as Jesus modeled for us.
Mercy in the Early Church
The early church put mercy into action in tangible ways:
- They provided for widows in need (Acts 6:1-6)
- They shared possessions to end poverty among them (Acts 4:32-35)
- They collected offerings to bless those in famine (Acts 11:27-30)
- They healed and cared for the sick (James 5:14-16)
- They welcomed slaves as brothers (Philemon 1:16)
- They peacefully resolved interpersonal conflicts (Philippians 4:2-3)
Meeting practical needs with compassion was a hallmark of the early Christians. They allowed the mercy they had received from God to overflow to those around them.
Blessings of Showing Mercy
The Bible describes wonderful blessings for those who live a life of mercy toward others:
- They will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7)
- They will be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9)
- They will find blessing and honor (Psalm 41:1)
- Their prayers will be heard (Proverbs 21:13)
- They will bear the fruit of righteousness (James 3:18)
- They will have eternal life (Luke 10:25-28)
While we cannot earn salvation, living mercifully is a fruit and evidence of a life truly changed by God. Those transformed by Christ’s mercy can’t help but show that same mercy to the world around them.
Mercy in the End Times
The Bible promises God will show great mercy in the end times for those who follow Him:
- God will remember His mercy toward Israel (Psalm 98:3)
- God will continue showing mercy until Christ returns (1 Timothy 1:13)
- God’s people will rest securely in His mercy (Psalm 13:5)
- God’s mercy will triumph over judgment (James 2:13)
- God’s mercy endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Despite coming wrath and judgment, God provides a refuge of mercy to all who repent and believe the Gospel. His mercy will prevail and provide salvation to those who seek Him.
Quotes on Mercy
Here are some additional notable quotes about mercy from Christian thinkers:
“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” – Romans 5:20
“Mercy there was great, and grace was free pardon there was multiplied to me there my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.” – Hymn, At Calvary
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
“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.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 145:8
These quotes remind us of the beauty of God’s merciful character. Though we were lost in sin, He demonstrated the depths of his love by providing salvation through Christ.
Conclusion
The consistent message of the Bible is God’s remarkable mercy toward humanity. Even when we were dead in sin, He provided salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). As recipients of God’s mercy, believers are called to extend that same mercy, compassion, and forgiveness to the world around them. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Just as God has been abundantly patient and kind toward us, we must reflect those same attributes to others, even our enemies.