Deuteronomy 4:31 “For the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them”
The blueprint of the book of Deuteronomy proves that the author, ‘Moses,” in his final book reminds the people of Israel to remember who God is and what He has done. The old generation of Israelites had wandered for 40 years in the wilderness and died due to their lack of faith and disobedience. Moses prepared the new generation of Israelites (their children) to possess the land. He reminded them about the very nature of God being merciful and the covenant that was made with their fathers on Mount Sinai.
What is being merciful? The definition of mercy is the compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm for their wicked acts. In the mentioned verse, Moses says that God is a merciful God. How can one be merciful? Mercy cannot be shown unless there is love. God’s mercy is so great.
The truth is, we are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory. When sin entered through Adam and Eve, we were separated from God. But because of His steadfast love and faithfulness towards us, we obtained mercy and grace (Exodus 34:6). Jesus Christ was sent to redeem us from the curse of sin. The concept of God’s mercy highlights forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. It inspires us to turn towards God and seek His forgiveness and guidance.
Peter denied the Lord three times, and his denial was due to his weakness and fear for his safety. However, he was shown mercy. Jesus assures in the parable of the prodigal son, how his father showed his son mercy and forgives him. In the same way, our father God waits for us to realise our wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness. He welcomes us back when we do.
The Bible says, “for as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him (Psalm 103:11).
