What is the definition of mercy?
What Is Mercy?
Mercy is a profound and multifaceted concept in Scripture that reflects both the nature of God and the calling of His people. At its core, mercy refers to the compassionate, undeserved kindness that alleviates suffering and reflects steadfast love. It is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility, deeply rooted in God’s covenantal relationship with His creation.
In a biblical sense, mercy can be defined as “God’s lovingkindness and compassion shown toward humanity, especially in withholding punishment we deserve and granting blessings we do not deserve.” It encompasses forgiveness, patience, and the faithful fulfillment of His promises despite human sin and unworthiness.
Mercy as an Attribute of God
The Bible frequently describes mercy as intrinsic to God’s character. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NKJV) declares:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)."
God’s mercy is abundant and unchanging. When He revealed Himself to Moses, He highlighted mercy as central to His nature:
"And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty’" (Exodus 34:6-7, NKJV).
God’s mercy manifests in two primary ways:
Withholding Judgment
God, in His mercy, restrains His righteous judgment against sinners who deserve condemnation. Nehemiah 9:31 (NKJV) affirms this:
"Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; for You are God, gracious and merciful."Granting Undeserved Blessings
Mercy moves God to provide grace and blessings even to those who are undeserving. Luke 1:78 (NKJV) proclaims:
"Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us."
God’s mercy is inseparable from His grace, forming the foundation of the gospel and the believer’s relationship with Him.
Mercy Fully Revealed in Jesus Christ
The ultimate expression of God’s mercy is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God demonstrates mercy to humanity by providing a means of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV) encapsulates this beautifully:
"But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exemplified mercy:
Compassion for the Suffering: Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the grieving. Matthew 9:36 (NKJV) notes:
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."Forgiveness of Sins: Mercy motivated Jesus to extend forgiveness, as seen in the story of the woman caught in adultery. John 8:11 (NKJV) records His words:
"Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
Ultimately, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was the supreme act of mercy, securing redemption for sinners who could never earn it. Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) states:
"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
The Call to Show Mercy
As recipients of God’s mercy, Christians are called to reflect His mercy in their relationships with others. Micah 6:8 (NKJV) provides a clear mandate:
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Jesus also commands His followers to emulate God’s mercy:
"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36, NKJV).
Practical expressions of mercy include:
Forgiving Others:
Believers are to forgive as they have been forgiven. Matthew 18:33 (NKJV) asks:
"Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?"Helping Those in Need:
Mercy moves Christians to care for the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized. Zechariah 7:9 (NKJV) declares:
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother.’"Extending Grace in Relationships:
Mercy tempers judgment and fosters compassion. James 2:13 (NKJV) reminds us:
"For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Mercy as a Blessing
Mercy is not only an action but also a blessing bestowed upon God’s people. The apostle Paul often greeted believers with prayers for mercy:
"Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Timothy 1:2, NKJV).
God’s mercy is also a source of hope and encouragement. Jude 1:21 (NKJV) exhorts believers to:
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
Conclusion
Mercy is an essential attribute of God and a defining characteristic of the Christian life. It is the compassionate kindness by which God withholds judgment, grants forgiveness, and blesses undeserving sinners. Fully revealed in Jesus Christ, mercy calls believers to reflect God’s love through forgiveness, compassion, and service to others. As Southern Baptists, we affirm that mercy is not only foundational to our understanding of God’s nature but also central to our calling to live as His redeemed people. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NKJV) reminds us of the richness of His mercy:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)."
In mercy, we find the heart of the gospel and the motivation to live out our faith for the glory of God.
