Psalm 107:1 – “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
I am in awe of the mercy, compassion and graciousness of Yahweh.
The God of Israel desires that none should perish. His heart longs for all to be saved, to come to repentance, and to have an intimate relationship with Him. I appreciate the wisdom shared by a Pastor, who said that God’s inclination leans more towards mercy than judgment. However, it is important to acknowledge that God will indeed judge sin.
Here are a few examples of Bible verses that highlight God’s mercy:
- Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
- Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.”
- Psalm 145:8-9 – “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that he has made.”
- Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
- 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
These verses, illustrate God’s compassionate nature, His readiness to forgive, and His abundant love and mercy towards humanity. They serve as a reminder of the character of God and His willingness to extend mercy to those who turn to Him.
The Holy Bible contains several stories that specifically highlight God’s mercy in action. Here are a few examples:
- The Story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): This parable tells the story of a wayward son who squanders his inheritance and ends up in a desperate situation. When he returns home, expecting judgment, his father shows him great mercy and welcomes him back with open arms, celebrating his return.
- The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): In this story, a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought before Jesus by the religious leaders, seeking to condemn her. Instead, Jesus shows mercy by forgiving her and instructing her to go and sin no more.
- The Story of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3): Jonah is sent by God to the city of Nineveh to proclaim its impending destruction. However, when the people of Nineveh repent and turn from their evil ways, God shows them mercy and spares the city.
- The Story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12): David, the king of Israel, commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband’s death. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David repents, and God shows him mercy by forgiving him, although there are still consequences for his actions.
These stories, among others, demonstrate God’s willingness to extend mercy and forgiveness to those who turn to Him, regardless of their past mistakes or sins. They showcase the compassionate nature of God and His desire to bring about redemption and restoration.
The wilderness journey of the Israelites is filled with instances where God showed His mercy to them. Here are a few examples:
- God’s Provision of Manna: When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God provided them with food called manna. It was a miraculous provision that sustained them throughout their journey. Despite their grumbling and unfaithfulness, God showed His mercy by ensuring they had food to eat (Exodus 16:11-35).
- Water from the Rock: On multiple occasions, the Israelites faced a scarcity of water in the wilderness. In response to their complaints, God instructed Moses to strike a rock, and water came forth, providing for the people’s needs (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:2-13).
- God’s Guidance and Protection: Throughout their time in the wilderness, God guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He led them, protected them from enemies, and provided for their safety (Exodus 13:21-22; Nehemiah 9:12-21).
- Forgiveness and Restoration: Despite the Israelites’ repeated disobedience and idolatry, God showed mercy by forgiving them when they repented and sought His forgiveness. He continued to lead them and fulfill His promises to them, even when they strayed (Exodus 32:7-14; Numbers 14:11-20).
These examples highlight God’s mercy in providing for the physical needs of the Israelites, guiding and protecting them, and extending forgiveness when they turned back to Him. Despite their shortcomings, God remained faithful and showed His loving-kindness and compassion toward them throughout their wilderness journey.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7).