Psalm 103 described God as the forgiver, healer, Redeemer, Provider, Righteous Judge, Mercy and Gracious. There are benefits to knowing God. But, why are these benefits not finding expression in the lives of many believers? You see, man is of sinful nature. Even if you deceive yourself that you are righteous and deserves all good things, God knows how unrighteous we are. But when we plead for mercy God is moved with deep compassion.
Understanding Mercy from a Scriptural Standpoint
Mercy is one of the central themes of the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It reflects God’s compassionate and forgiving nature and His deep love for us, His children. From creation to redemption, God’s mercy is evident in His dealings with individuals and nations. God is love, and love we know is forgiving and merciful. Mercy, the bible says prevail over judgement. Mercy makes way for other graces such as favor, restoration, forgiveness, and all whatnot. So if you are asking “If I plead for mercy despite my numerous sins, will God hear and answer me”? The answer is yes.
Why We Should Plead for Mercy
1. God’s Mercy is Rooted in His Nature
Mercy is not just something God does; it is who He is. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as merciful and compassionate.
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”
Deuteronomy 4:31 says, “For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors.”
Micah 7:18 — “He delighteth in mercy.”
God’s mercy is not based on human merit but on His own loving nature. He shows mercy because He delights in it.
2. Mercy in God’s Dealings with Humanity; Plead for Mercy Man is Frail in Nature
The Old Testament is filled with examples of God extending mercy to His people despite their repeated failures.
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” — Lamentations 3:22.
God continually forgave Israel and sent prophets to call them back to Him, not because they deserved it, but because of His mercy.
The bible says in Roman 9:15-17 that God will show mercy to whom He will show mercy and compassion to whom He will show Compassion. It does not therefore depend on human will or efforts but of God chose to show mercy.
This implies that mercy does not recognize allegation neither does it cast judgements. If anything, an accused who is guilty can walk home free only because mercy was invoked; just as we, despite our sins receive God’s blessings only because of His mercies.
3. Mercy as Revealed in Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, God’s mercy takes on flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies divine mercy.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.” — Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV)
Jesus Christ, your Savior showed mercy to the hungry, accused, poor, broken, the sick, and the sinful.
“Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” — John 8:11.
4. A Call for Believers to Show Mercy
As recipients of God’s mercy, believers are called to extend mercy to others. Mercy is not only a divine trait but also a moral imperative.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” — Matthew 5:7.
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”— Luke 6:36.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8.
Christians are instructed to forgive and be compassionate because they have received the same from God.
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13.
5. Mercy and Salvation; Again Plead for Mercy
Salvation itself is an act of God’s mercy. It is not earned by works, but granted by grace through faith.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”— Titus 3:5.
Conclusion
Are you frustrated, hungry, tired and angry at life? Cry and plead for mercy.
Mercy is the heartbeat of the Gospel. It reflects the love of God, the mission of Christ, and the character believers are called to embody. Through Scripture, we see that mercy is not weakness—it is power under control, love in action, and the bridge between justice and grace.
Let us, therefore, embrace mercy, both as recipients and as givers, reflecting the heart of our merciful Father in heaven.
Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…”— Romans 12:1.
Man is frail by nature, what will become of you if God leaves you on your own? Absolutely nothing.
