The Mercy of God: Grace for the Undeserving

One of the most beautiful truths about God is his mercy — his readiness to withhold the judgment we deserve and offer grace instead. Here's what the Bible reveals about the mercy of God.

Mercy instead of judgment

Mercy means not getting the punishment our sin deserves. Though we've all fallen short, God delights to show mercy rather than judgment to those who turn to him. 'The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.' His default posture toward the repentant is mercy.

Salvation by his mercy

Our rescue is rooted entirely in God's mercy, not our merit. 'Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.' We're saved because God is merciful, not because we earned it. Every believer is a monument to God's mercy.

Mercy that meets the broken

God's mercy is especially near to the hurting and the humble. He is 'nigh unto them that are of a broken heart,' and he responds to the honest cry, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.' No one who comes to God for mercy is turned away.

Receiving and reflecting mercy

Having received such mercy, we're called to be merciful too. 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.' The mercy we've been shown flows out to others — in forgiveness, compassion, and grace toward those who've wronged or need us.

The mercy of God withholds the judgment we deserve and offers grace instead — merciful, slow to anger, saving us not by our works but by his kindness, and drawing near to the broken. It's the ground of our salvation and the model for how we treat others. However undeserving you feel, God's mercy is greater — and it is available to all who come to him for it.