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Biblical mercy is God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment and active relief of human suffering. It is rooted in God's character—Exodus 34:6 calls Him 'merciful and gracious.' Mercy differs from grace: mercy withholds punishment we deserve, while grace gives blessings we don't. Jesus said 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy' (Matthew 5:7).
Why this answer? It starts with Ephesians 2:4-5, then cross-checks Exodus 34:6 and Micah 6:8 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Mercy in the Bible is one of God's defining attributes—a compassionate response to human weakness and sin. Exodus 34:6 reveals God as merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Hebrew word for mercy (racham) is related to the word for womb, suggesting a deep, nurturing compassion. Mercy differs from grace in a specific way: mercy withholds the punishment we deserve, while grace gives the blessings we do not deserve. Both flow from God's love. Ephesians 2:4-5 captures this beautifully—God, being rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in sin. Jesus embodied divine mercy throughout His ministry, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and weeping over Jerusalem. In the Beatitudes, He declared blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7), establishing that receiving God's mercy transforms us into merciful people. Micah 6:8 commands believers to love mercy alongside doing justice and walking humbly with God. The tender mercies of God are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), offering fresh hope to all who turn to Him.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
- Ephesians 2:4-5
Grace is God's unmerited favor—His love and mercy given freely to humanity despite our unworthiness. In Christian theology, grace is the foundation of salvation, given through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God's justice means He always acts in accordance with what is right, fair, and morally perfect. He judges impartially, defends the oppressed, and punishes wrongdoing. Biblical justice encompasses both retributive justice (punishment for sin) and restorative justice (making things right). The cross displays both—sin is punished and sinners are redeemed.
Hesed is a Hebrew word central to the Old Testament, often translated as 'steadfast love,' 'lovingkindness,' or 'faithful love.' It describes God's loyal, covenant-keeping love that endures despite human unfaithfulness. It combines love, loyalty, and mercy. Psalm 136 repeats 'His hesed endures forever' 26 times, celebrating God's unwavering commitment to His people.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.