General Mercy, Special Mercy, and Sovereign Mercy

1. A biblical look at the meaning of the term mercy.

• That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.--Webster 1828 dictionary

Exodus 3:23-25
Exodus 2:23
Psalm 37:23-26

2. The many facets of God's mercy.

Psalm 145:9-10
Acts 17:25
Matthew 5:45
Psalm 73:1-20
Lamentations 3:21-23
Isaiah 27:11