Scripture Reading: But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. —Psalm 86:15
Definition: Mercy is “a disposition to be kind and forgiving; the feeling that motivates compassion; leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice” (Vocabulary.com).
Summary: God is full of mercy and compassion and delays judgment, giving people an opportunity for forgiveness and restoration. Children of God likewise should interact and relate with others from a foundation and spirit of mercy.
I. A Divine Attribute of God
A. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 God, the Father of mercies.
B. Daniel 9:9 Mercies and forgivenesses belong to God.
C. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 God is a merciful God.
D. Micah 7:18 God delights in mercy.
E. Matthew 9:36 Jesus is moved with compassion.
II. God’s Mercy Is Plenteous and Enduring
A. Psalm 103:8 The LORD is plenteous in mercy.
B. Psalm 51:1-2 Tender mercies.
C. 1 Chronicles 16:34 His mercy endureth forever.
D. 2 Peter 3:9 Not willing that any should perish.
III. All Have Sinned and Are Worthy of Judgment
A. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned.
B. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.
IV. Mercy Is Undeserved and of the Will of God
A. Ephesians 2:4-6 Mercy is not of our merit.
B. Romans 9:15-16 Mercy is according to God’s will.
V. Salvation and Eternal Life According to Mercy
A. Luke 1:78-79 The gospel light came by God’s mercy.
B. Titus 3:4-7 Salvation not according to works but by mercy.
C. Isaiah 55:7 God pardons the wicked.
D. 1 Peter 1:3-4 God’s mercy brings hope of Heaven.
VI. Mercy Sustains God’s People
A. Psalm 94:18 Mercy holds up those that slip.
B. Lamentations 3:21-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed.
VII. A Merciful High Priest
A. Hebrews 2:16-18 Jesus a merciful high priest.
B. Hebrews 4:15-16 Mercy found at the throne of grace.
VIII. An End to God’s Mercy
A. John 12:48 Judgment on those that reject.
B. Matthew 25:45-46 Everlasting punishment to the unfaithful.
C. Hebrews 10:28-29 Dying without mercy.
IX. Called to a Life of Mercy
A. Luke 6:36 Be merciful as God is merciful.
B. Micah 6:8 Love mercy.
C. Zechariah 7:9 Show mercy and compassion.
X. Mercy Better Than Sacrifice
A. Hosea 6:6 God desires mercy more than sacrifice.
B. Matthew 9:11-13 Jesus would have mercy and not sacrifice.
XI. Blessings and Judgment
A. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful.
B. James 2:13 Judgment without mercy on those that have no mercy.
C. Matthew 18:33-35 Forgive trespasses.
Conclusion
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
—Colossians 3:12-13
