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 6 votes
“Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
- James 2:13 5 votes
For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Matthew 5:7 5 votes
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- Hebrews 4:16 4 votes
Let’s 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 4 votes
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 3 votes
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
- 1 John 1:9 2 votes
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 2 votes
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 2 votes
It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
- Psalms 23:6 2 votes
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
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