Biblical Foundation of God’s Mercy

• Mercy is a concept integral to an

understanding of God's dealings with
humankind. In English translations of
the Bible, it comes to expression in
phrases such as "to be merciful,” "to
have mercy on, “or "to show mercy
toward." The corresponding term,
"merciful,” describes a quality of God
and one that God requires of his people.
The noun signifies compassion and love,
not just feelings or emotions, as
expressed in tangible ways. God’s mercy
is concretely manifested in the Old and
New Testament.
 • Hesed is one of the most important
Old Testament concepts revealed in the Old
Testament. It rests at the center of
the Lord's self-revelation of His
attitude toward His people. The
Hebrew word Hesed is translated as
mercy, steadfast love, or loving
kindness. In regard to human
activity, Hesed signifies the type of
love and duty toward God by which
the people of God live in obedience
to His ways.
 This concept of loving kindness would reverberate throughout biblical
history. God leads, guides, provides for, and protects His people, all based on
His love. (Exodus 15:13; 20:6; Psalm 118:1-3) The covenantal love of God is
joined together with God's compassion in Exodus 34:6,7. The Hebrew word
for compassion is raham. It means to love deeply, to have mercy, to be
compassionate.
New Testament
Christ demonstrates fully the compassion and steadfast love of God. In Christ,
all the fullness of God dwells (Colossians 1:19), and Jesus clearly shows
compassion in how He treated people from every lifestyle, not just those of
God's chosen people, Israel. Christ's teaching challenges the parameters of
compassion normally experienced by the Jew, from compassion for friends and
neighbors, to all without exception, even to the point of loving one's enemies
(Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:30-37).
Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in
mercy. The LORD is good to all, compassionate toward all your works”.

2 Sam 24:14
“David answered Gad: “I am greatly distressed. But let us fall into the
hand of God, whose mercy is great, rather than into human hands.”
Matthew 9:13
Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I
came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Ephesians 2:4-7
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with
Christ, raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in
Christ Jesus…