Mercy
Summary
Mercy is that divine attribute by which God pities and relieves human misery, and the corresponding Christian virtue by which believers show compassion toward others.
☩Divine Mercy
Mercy is an essential attribute of God, revealed supremely through the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ. Through Jesus, a way is opened for God to exercise mercy and grace toward sinful humanity while remaining perfectly just—'a just God and a Saviour.' Scripture declares that 'mercy and truth have met together, and righteousness and peace have kissed each other.' The expression 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice' indicates that God is pleased with the exercise of mercy rather than mere ritual observance.
☩Human Mercy
Mercy inspires compassion for others and inclines us to assist them in their necessities. For works of mercy to be acceptable to God, they must be performed from truly pious motives, not merely from natural sentiment. The aim of divine mercy is to reproduce itself in believers—'that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.' The parable of the Unmerciful Servant teaches that receiving God's mercy obligates showing mercy to others; those who refuse will face severe judgment.
☩Mercy in Practice
Biblical examples of mercy include Joseph's prison keeper showing him kindness, Joshua sparing Rahab, David repeatedly refusing to harm Saul, and the Good Samaritan helping the wounded traveler. Micah summarizes God's requirement: 'to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.' True mercy has two parts—inward pity and outward action—so we are commanded to love 'not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.'
Related Verses275 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mercy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Mercy," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).