Mercy is that eternal principle of God’s nature that leads him to seek the temporal good and eternal salvation of those who have opposed themselves to his will, even at the cost of infinite self-sacrifice. God’s mercy is optional, in that he is in no way obligated to save sinners. However, he chooses to do so.

The Old Testament speaks four times as much about the mercy of God as does the New Testament (Ps 103:13–17; 2 Cor 1:3; Jas 5:11). It is mentioned twenty-six times in Psalm 136 alone.

Two additional biblical words are closely associated with this attribute, the terms compassion and pity. Thus, God’s mercy involves his tenderheartedness toward those who are in need and deep distress (Isa 49:13; 63:9).

God’s mercy is exemplified throughout Scripture.

1. The example of David.

Psalm 51 is the confessional psalm prayed by David after his shameful sin with Bath-sheba, which included both adultery and murder. He begins by pleading for mercy and ends by acknowledging that no animal sacrifice could cleanse his sin. He then bypasses the Levitical offerings and throws himself completely upon the mercy of God (see Ps 51:1, 16–17).

2. The example of Israel (Exod 20:5–6; Deut 7:9).

3. The example of Jonah and Ninevah (Jon 4:2).

1. To four blind men (Matt 9:27; 20:30–34).

2. To the father of a demon-possessed boy (Matt 17:15).

3. To the mother of a demon-possessed girl (Matt 15:22).

4. To a widow in Nain (Luke 7:13).

5. To the hungry multitudes (Matt 14:14; 15:32).

6. To a publican (Luke 18:13).

7. To the apostle Paul (1 Tim 1:13, 16).