What Is God’s Mercy? Understanding “His Mercy Endures Forever”

When we hear the word mercy, we often think of simple acts of kindness someone helping another person in need, or forgiving a small offense. But when the Bible speaks of God’s mercy, it points to something far greater, deeper, and eternal.

The Hebrew Word “Hesed”

In the Old Testament, the word used for God’s mercy is “Hesed” (חֶסֶד). This Hebrew word has no exact English equivalent. It includes concepts like steadfast love, covenant loyalty, loving-kindness, and mercy. It refers to God’s faithful, unfailing love toward His people, especially as expressed in His covenants and redemptive acts.

Theologian R.C. Sproul explains that hesed involves a love that is loyal, committed, and active. It is not merely emotion it’s love in action, grounded in God’s unchanging character.

Mercy Without Conditions

God’s mercy is unconditional. It’s not given because we deserve it or have done anything to earn it. In

Titus 3:5 (NKJV), Paul writes:

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…”

God shows mercy because it is His nature. He doesn’t wait for us to be good first. Rather, He is good and merciful even when we are undeserving.

Psalm 136 – A Litany of Mercy

Psalm 136 is a powerful expression of God’s enduring mercy. Every verse ends with the phrase:

“For His mercy endures forever.” (NKJV)

This refrain reminds us that in every act of God from creation to deliverance His mercy is the driving force.

Here are selected verses:

• Psalm 136:1–3 (NKJV):
  

  “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
  For His mercy endures forever.
  Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
  For His mercy endures forever.
  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
  For His mercy endures forever.”

• Psalm 136:10–16 (NKJV) recounts God’s mercy in delivering Israel from Egypt, parting the Red Sea, and leading them through the wilderness. All these acts are declared as demonstrations of His everlasting mercy.

God’s Mercy Revealed to Moses

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord passed by him and proclaimed:

“The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…”
(Exodus 34:6, NKJV)

Here, merciful is the first characteristic God uses to describe Himself. His very identity is wrapped in mercy and compassion.

The Cross: The Ultimate Act of Mercy

God’s mercy reaches its highest expression in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As John 3:16 (NKJV) says:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This was not an act of obligation—it was a gift of pure mercy. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) tells us:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ask yourself: could you give up your beloved child to save someone who ignores or even hates you? That’s what God did for us.

Responding to God’s Mercy

Knowing all this, how should we respond?

With gratitude

 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1, NKJV)

• With praise and worship: David often responded to God’s mercy with music, dancing, and public praise.
• With obedience and giving: Our offerings and lives should reflect how deeply we appreciate God’s mercy.

As believers, we are called to worship Him not only with our lips but with our whole lives.

Conclusion

God’s mercy—His “hesed”—is not fleeting. It is eternal, unwavering, and deeply personal. It is the reason we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22), and it is the foundation of our salvation.

May the name of Jesus Christ be forever praised. His mercy truly endures forever. Hallelujah!

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