What does the Bible say about mercy?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that mercy is God’s compassionate kindness toward undeserving sinners, received through Christ and reflected in the lives of His people. Because God is rich in mercy, believers may draw near with confidence for help and forgiveness, as Hebrews 4:16 and 1 John 1:9 affirm. His mercies are new every morning, and His steadfast love does not fail, according to Lamentations 3:22-23. Jesus calls His disciples to be merciful as their Father is merciful, promising blessing to the merciful in Luke 6:36 and Matthew 5:7. Mercy does not excuse sin or deny justice, but triumphs over judgment for those forgiven by grace, leading God’s people to show compassion, humility, and faithful love.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

Luke 6:36
Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful.
James 2:13
For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
Matthew 9:13
But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Lamentations 3:22-23
[22] [It is of] Yahweh's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn't fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalms 23:6
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Nave's Topical Bible

General scriptures concerning 2 Samuel 22:26; Psalms 18:25; Psalms 37:25; Psalms 37:26; Psalms 85:10; Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 3:4; Proverbs 11:17; Proverbs 12:10; Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 14:22; Proverbs 14:31
See GOD, MERCY OF
See KINDNESS
INSTANCES OF
The prison keeper, to Joseph Genesis 39:21-23
Joshua to Rahab Joshua 6:25
The Israelites to the man of Beth-el Judges 1:23-26
David to Saul 1 Samuel 24:10-13; 1 Samuel 24:17

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

After the example of God Luke 6:36
Enjoined 2 Kings 6:21-23; Hosea 12:6; Romans 12:20; Romans 12:21; Colossians 3:12
To be engraved on the heart Proverbs 3:3
Characteristic of saints Psalms 37:26; Isaiah 57:1
Should be shown
With cheerfulness Romans 12:8
To our brethren Zechariah 7:9
to those that are in distress Luke 10:37
To the poor Proverbs 14:31; Daniel 4:27
To backsliders Luke 15:18-20; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
To animals Proverbs 12:10
Upholds the throne of kings Proverbs 20:28
Beneficial to those who exercise Proverbs 11:17
Blessedness of showing Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 5:7
Hypocrites devoid of Matthew 23:23
Denunciations against those devoid of Hosea 4:1; Hosea 4:3; Matthew 18:23-25; James 2:13

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