Mercy in the Bible

Mercy is the compassion of God that does not treat us according to our sins, but grants us grace and forgiveness. Where justice would demand punishment, mercy withholds the sentence and offers life. The apostle Paul writes: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5). It is by this mercy, and not by our works, that we are saved (Titus 3:5). Scripture reveals a God whose compassions are inexhaustible. In the midst of distress, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims: "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Each day is therefore a fresh occasion to receive the grace of the Lord. God, having shown mercy, calls his children to become merciful in turn. Jesus declares: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7), and he urges: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36). Having received a pardon we did not deserve, we are called to forgive, to show compassion, and to treat others with the same grace. These verses celebrate divine mercy and invite us to receive it, then to extend it generously to those around us.