Topical Encyclopedia The mercy of God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, revealing His compassionate and gracious nature towards humanity. This divine attribute is particularly manifested to those who fear Him, demonstrating a special relationship between reverence for God and the reception of His mercy.Definition and Nature of God's Mercy God's mercy is His loving-kindness and compassion towards His creation, especially towards those who are in distress or in need of forgiveness. It is an essential aspect of His character, as seen in Exodus 34:6 : "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." Manifestation to Those Who Fear Him The fear of the Lord is a profound respect and reverence for God, acknowledging His power, holiness, and authority. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated attitude that influences one's actions and decisions. The Scriptures affirm that God's mercy is abundantly extended to those who fear Him. 1. Psalm 103:11, 13, 17 : "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him... As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him... But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children." These verses highlight the vastness and enduring nature of God's mercy towards those who fear Him. His compassion is likened to that of a father's tender care for his children, emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of His mercy. 2. Luke 1:50 : "His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation." In the Magnificat, Mary acknowledges the generational impact of God's mercy on those who fear Him. This indicates that the fear of the Lord not only benefits the individual but also has a lasting influence on their descendants. 3. Proverbs 16:6 : "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns from evil." The fear of the Lord leads to a turning away from sin, aligning one's life with God's will. In this context, God's mercy is manifested as He forgives and cleanses those who repent and seek to live righteously. Examples from Scripture · Noah: In Genesis 6:8-9, Noah is described as a righteous man who found favor in the eyes of the Lord. His reverence and obedience to God amidst a corrupt generation resulted in God's mercy, sparing him and his family from the flood. · The Israelites: Throughout their history, the Israelites experienced God's mercy when they turned back to Him in fear and repentance. Judges 2:18 states, "Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them." · The Ninevites: In Jonah 3:5-10, the people of Nineveh feared God and repented at Jonah's preaching. In response, God relented from the disaster He had threatened, demonstrating His mercy towards those who fear Him. Theological Implications The manifestation of God's mercy to those who fear Him underscores the importance of a reverent relationship with the Creator. It is a call to live in awe of His majesty, aligning one's life with His commandments and seeking His will. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a motivating force that draws believers closer to God, resulting in the experience of His abundant mercy and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on them that fear him, and his righteousness to children's children; Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 1:50 Library Psalm XXV. Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... God and the Godly Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. The Magnificat Psalm CXLVII. This Doctrine Confirmed by Proofs from Scripture. Psalm LXXXV. Agency of Evil Spirits. Resources What is the difference between mercy and grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8)? | GotQuestions.org Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy: After the Example of God Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise Mercy: Characteristic of Saints Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Mercy: should be Shown with Cheerfulness Mercy: should be Shown: To Animals Mercy: should be Shown: To Backsliders Mercy: should be Shown: To Our Brethren Mercy: should be Shown: To the Poor Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph Mercy: To be Engraved on the Heart Mercy: Upholds the Throne of Kings The Mercy of God is his Delight The Mercy of God is Part of his Character The Mercy of God: A Ground of Hope The Mercy of God: A Ground of Trust The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus The Mercy of God: Filling the Earth The Mercy of God: High As Heaven The Mercy of God: Manifested in Long-Suffering The Mercy of God: Manifested in Salvation The Mercy of God: Manifested in the Sending of Christ The Mercy of God: Manifested with Everlasting Kindness The Mercy of God: Manifested: To his People The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Repentant Sinners The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Returning Backsliders The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Afflicted The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Fatherless The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Them That Fear Him The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Whom he Will The Mercy of God: New Every Morning The Mercy of God: Over all his Works The Mercy of God: should be Magnified The Mercy of God: should be Pleaded in Prayer The Mercy of God: should be Rejoiced In The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Ourselves The Mercy of God: Typified: Mercy Seat Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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