"Where is mercy in the world? Is there even mercy still?," I overheard this question at a local coffee shop recently while studying for my lesson to teach to my connection class. I could not help but consider: Is there mercy still?
We live in a country where people feel "entitled" or "worthy" to live in a perfect world. Americans, like many people around the world, blame God for not showing mercy or compassion due to various emotional, cultural, and spiritual reasons. Here are some factors Americans believe God is unmerciful:
Some may struggle with suffering and evil in the world.
Natural disasters, injustice, or personal hardships can lead some to question why a loving, merciful God allows such things to happen. This struggle is heightened in a country like America, where there's often an expectation of comfort and control over circumstances.
Americans may misunderstand God's Nature.
Some may have an incomplete understanding of God's mercy, expecting Him to intervene in ways that align with human desires rather than His divine plan. People might perceive this as a lack of compassion or mercy when prayers go unanswered, or situations seem unfair.
There is an American cultural shift away from faith.
In 1956, 96% of Americans identified as Christians; in 2025, only 65% identified as Christians. As secularism grows in parts of America, some people may lose sight of God's sovereignty and attribute societal problems to His perceived absence rather than recognizing the consequences of human sin and free will. Secularism often leads to blaming God for issues like moral decay, inequality, or suffering instead of seeking Him for guidance and repentance.
Americans often feel entitled.
This sense of entitlement can cause people to expect blessings or favorable outcomes from God without acknowledging personal responsibility or the role of sin in the world.
Americans most often follow media influence.
Popular culture portrays God as either absent or uninvolved in human affairs, shaping how people view Him. In times of crisis, this portrayal can influence blame rather than trust in His mercy.
These five factors often lead people to ask the question: "If God is so perfect, why did He create such a broken and evil world?" "If God is love, why is there so much suffering in the world?" "If God is so merciful, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?
What Does Mercy Mean?
The Bible uses "mercy" to describe God's compassionate withholding of rightly deserved punishment. It encompasses His kindness, love, and favor, extended not because of human merit but because of His divine nature.
The Hebrew word often translated as "mercy" is "chesed," which refers to God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty. It implies kindness and faithfulness that flow from His character.
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." —Psalm 136:1
The Greek word for mercy, "eleos," is often used, focusing on compassion in action—God's willingness to forgive and care for those in distress.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us." —Ephesians 2:4
Sinners are forgiven, justified, and reconciled to Him through God's mercy. Without mercy, none could stand before a holy God.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." —Titus 3:5
Practical Ways to Remember That There is Mercy Still
Recognize God's Mercy
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." —Lamentations 3:22-23
Acknowledge that God's mercy is the foundation of our salvation and daily blessings. A practical way to do that is to start each day with gratitude, thanking God for His renewed mercies.
Reflect God's Mercy
"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." —Luke 6:36
Show God's mercy to others by extending forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. Look for opportunities to forgive people who have wronged you and help those in need. Forgiving people who have wronged you will mirror God's mercy in your interactions.
Rest in God's Mercy
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." —Psalm 103:11
Would anything be wrong if God decided not to save anybody? If God chose to punish the entire human race for the human race's rejection of God and rebellion against God, the only objection we could give at that point is that God is JUST, and that's hardly an objection. Can you imagine the attorney standing up in the courtroom and saying, "Objection your honor, I don't like that decision because it's just!" How far would that go? God would be perfectly justified to exercise justice against an unjust creation. But you see, God isn't only a just God. He's a good God. And if God is going to be a good God, not only a just God, He must be merciful.
As you consider God's mercy, I encourage you to meditate on the lyrics of this song, "Mercy Still," as it beautifully captures this truth with the line:
"Depth of mercy, can there be mercy still reserved for me? God is love! I know, I feel. Oh, Jesus weeps and loves me still!' These words echo the promise of Lamentations 3:22-23, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness and mercy.
Depth of mercy! Can there be mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear, me, the chief of sinners spare?
I have long withstood His grace; long provoked Him to His face, Would not listen to His calls. I have grieved Him by a thousand falls.
Is there mercy still? Is there mercy still? Is there mercy still for me?
I, my Master, have denied; I again have crucified and profaned His hallowed name; put Him to an open shame.
There, for me, the Savior stands, shows His wounds, and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel. Oh, Jesus weeps and loves me still, loves me still!
Now incline me to repent. Let me now my sins lament;
Live in grace and be restored; weep, believe, and sin no more.
Depth of mercy, can there be mercy still reserved for me?
God is love! I know, I feel. Oh, Jesus weeps and loves me still!
Is there mercy still? Is there mercy still? There is mercy still.
Yes, there's mercy still. There is mercy still for me."
Trust in God's mercy to sustain you during trials and uncertainties. Instead of worrying, rest in the assurance that God's mercy covers and carries you through life's challenges.
God's mercy is not measured by our worthiness but by His endless love. His mercy is the bridge that carries us from our failures to His forgiveness, reminding us that His love never runs out. God's mercies are new every morning and forever sufficient. Rest in God's mercy today.