What Is the Definition of Mercy?
Mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in need, especially when it’s within one’s power to punish or harm them.
The word “mercy” comes from the Latin word merced or merces, which means “price paid.” Mercy invokes feelings of forgiveness, benevolence and kindness. It’s often used in a religious context of caring for the sick or the poor.
Mercy Definition in the Bible
Mercy appears in the Bible many times and often relates to forgiveness or withholding punishment. God showed us His mercy when he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins.
Even though we didn’t deserve this act of compassion, He showed us unconditional love to us. And that is mercy.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” — Psalm 51:1, NIV
The biblical definition of mercy goes beyond just forgiveness. Jesus often showed mercy by healing people, comforting them and helping them in their time of need.
In Matthew 17:15 (NIV), a man came to Jesus and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.”
Jesus’ response was to show mercy by healing the boy. He acted with love and compassion, restoring what was broken.
What Does It Mean to Have Mercy?
Many of Jesus’ acts of mercy in the Bible were extraordinary miracles. But what does mercy look like in day-to-day life? Sometimes having mercy simply means being humble and making room for others.
For example, mercy might look like choosing not to complain when restaurant service we receive is lacking. Instead, you might choose to show mercy by being kind and understanding that the staff could be overly busy or having an off day.
Examples of day-to-day mercy might include:
Showing kindness to someone who offended you, which is the mercy of forgiveness.
Choosing to correct someone gently, refusing to act rude or smug, which is the mercy of grace.
Helping a child escape poverty, which is the mercy of compassion.
In the New Testament, Jesus lived a life full of mercy. He healed the sick. He welcomed people who were rejected by others. He forgave sins. His life, death and resurrection were the greatest act of mercy the world has ever seen.
The Meaning of Mercy vs. Compassion
Mercy and compassion are intertwined. Mercy is the fruit of compassion. Mercy is a compassionate gift we can give to anyone who is suffering.
The meaning of compassion is to recognize others’ suffering and then take action to help. Compassion is more than feeling concerned about someone in distress or caring about a person’s misfortune. Compassion involves action, and that action is mercy.
When compassion moves to alleviate suffering, it becomes mercy.
How Does Compassion International Show Mercy?
Every day, millions of children living in poverty find comfort in God's mercy through Compassion's child sponsorship program. We work with thousands of local churches in low- and middle-income countries to care for the unique needs of children in their communities. Showing God's mercy means ensuring all children can grow and develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When their basic needs are met, they can journey out of poverty to become thriving adults.
The benefits of child sponsorship include:
The opportunity to hear the gospel.
Better health and nutrition.
Education and vocational training for a stable future.
Safety and protection.
Mentorship and love.
More than 70 years ago, our founder, Rev. Everett Swanson, was serving U.S. troops during the Korean War. He was troubled by the number of orphaned children living on the streets.
Moved by compassion, he responded with mercy to care for those children in need by founding Compassion International. Rev. Swanson could have turned his back on the suffering, but he didn’t. He stepped in as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Live Out the Definition of Mercy in Your Own Life
There are many ways to show mercy to those in need around you. When you sponsor a child through Compassion, you show mercy to a child in need by providing nutrition support, medical care, clean water and so much more. Sponsor a child in need today!
