“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8).

On one side of the coin of salvation is God’s grace, that is, receiving what we don’t deserve—forgiveness. On the other side of the coin is mercy, that is, not receiving what we do deserve—eternal punishment in hell.

There are many Scriptural references to mercy in both the Old and New Testaments. James speaks of the Lord being “very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (5:11). Paul makes note of the fact that “God . . . is rich in mercy,” which is evidenced by “His great love wherewith He loved us, . . . Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4,5). Jeremiah states that, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. . . . yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies” (Lamentations 3:22,32).

Mercy is intricately connected with our conversion experience. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).

Mercy is said to be “plenteous” (text), “great” (Psalm 103:11), and “abundant” (I Peter 1:3). It sustains us for time. “When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy O LORD, held me up” (Psalm 94:18). And for eternity, “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 103:17), and “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:6).

Consideration of the mercy of God caused the psalmist to exclaim, “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

Praise God that He is “slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” NPS