Text: Psalm 103:8-12, Lamentations 3:22-23
Theme: Mercy is what keeps us when justice should have condemned us
INTRODUCTION
What is mercy?
Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.
We all deserve judgment because of sin – Romans 3:23. But every day we wake up, it is mercy. Every breath, every forgiveness, every second chance — it is mercy.
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”
Without mercy, none of us will be standing here today. – Lamentations 3:22.
1: THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS MERCY
God is not just merciful. Mercy is who He is.
Enriching Verses:
1. Exodus 34:6-7 – “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth”
2. Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”
3. Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ”
Truth: Even when we fail, God’s default setting is mercy.
2: FOUR WAYS GOD SHOWS US MERCY
1. Mercy in Salvation – Titus 3:5 “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” We didn’t earn salvation. Mercy found us.
2. Mercy in Forgiveness – Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”
3. Mercy in Daily Provision – Lamentations 3:22-23 “His compassions fail not. They are new every morning” Food, health, protection — all mercy.
4. Mercy in Discipline and Restoration – Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loves He chastens”
God corrects us not to destroy us, but to restore us. – Psalm 118:18
3: EXAMPLES OF MERCY IN THE BIBLE
1. The Woman Caught in Adultery – John 8:1-11
The law said “stone her”. Jesus said “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” That’s mercy.
2. David and Mephibosheth – 2 Samuel 9:1-7
David showed mercy to the grandson of his enemy Saul, “for Jonathan’s sake”. God shows us mercy “for Jesus’ sake”.
3. The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:20-24
The father ran to meet him. He didn’t get what he deserved. He got a robe, ring, and feast. That’s mercy.
4. Peter After Denial – John 21:15-17
Jesus restored Peter three times. Mercy doesn’t cancel you after one mistake.
4: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S MERCY
Because God has shown us mercy, we must also show mercy.
1. Receive Mercy – Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
2. Show Mercy to Others – Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
3. Depend on Mercy Daily – Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
Warning: James 2:13 – “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.”
DECLARATIONS OVER YOUR LIFE
1. By the mercy of God, I will not be consumed! Lamentations 3:22
2. The mercy of God will speak for me where my effort cannot reach!
3. Lord, let Your mercy override every judgment against my life!
4. Every closed door, open by mercy!
5. As I show mercy to others, let God show me mercy! Matthew 5:7
PRAYER: Father, we thank You because Your mercy endures forever. -:Psalm 136:1 Lord, if there is any area my life deserves judgment, let Your mercy speak.
Psalm 51:1 – “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.”
If you are carrying guilt, shame, or you feel disqualified — come to Jesus. His mercy is bigger than your sin. – Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”
Come to the throne of grace today. Receive mercy. Receive a fresh start.
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