In a world that often rewards harshness, self-interest, and keeping score, the Bible calls us to something higher—grace and mercy. These two powerful principles shape how we treat others, especially when it’s hard. Grace is giving kindness when it’s not deserved.
Mercy is choosing compassion instead of punishment. And both are at the heart of God’s love toward us.
When we show grace and mercy to others, we reflect the character of Christ. It’s not always easy, but it changes lives—starting with our own. This blog post explores 15 powerful Bible verses about showing grace and mercy to others, offering insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom from God’s Word.
Key Takeaways:
- Grace and mercy aren’t just spiritual concepts—they’re daily choices.
- The Bible gives clear guidance on how to treat others with compassion and kindness.
- Living with grace and mercy reflects the heart of Jesus and transforms our relationships.
15 Bible Verses About Showing Grace and Mercy to Others
Each verse below is followed by a simple explanation to help you understand its context and how it applies to real life. These scriptures offer encouragement for living with more love, patience, and kindness—especially when it’s not easy.
1. Luke 6:36
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Explanation:
Jesus reminds us that our standard for mercy isn’t other people—it’s God. When we’ve experienced His mercy, we’re called to extend it to others in the same way.
2. Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Explanation:
This verse links grace directly to forgiveness. When we forgive, we’re not letting someone off the hook—we’re showing them the same grace God gave us.
3. Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Explanation:
We all mess up. This verse encourages patience and forgiveness, reminding us that we’re all recipients of God’s mercy.
4. James 2:13
For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Explanation:
This verse flips the script. Instead of judging others harshly, we’re reminded that mercy is more powerful—and that we’ll be treated the way we treat others.
5. Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Explanation:
This verse lays out what God wants from us: justice, kindness (grace in action), and humility. It’s a powerful blueprint for godly living.
6. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Explanation:
Mercy isn’t just something we give—it’s something we receive. Jesus shows us that being merciful brings blessing in return.
7. Proverbs 3:3-4
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Explanation:
This verse encourages us to keep love and loyalty close. These traits—rooted in grace—bring favor with both God and people.
8. Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
Explanation:
This verse speaks to how we treat those who’ve messed up. Grace means we correct gently, not harshly, helping others heal and grow.
9. Romans 12:20
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
Explanation:
This verse challenges us to respond to hostility with kindness. Showing mercy to someone who’s hurt you is powerful—and deeply biblical.
10. Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.
Explanation:
God didn’t save us because we earned it. He showed us mercy when we didn’t deserve it—which is exactly how we should treat others.
11. Psalm 103:8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Explanation:
This verse paints a beautiful picture of God’s heart. When we’re tempted to lash out, it reminds us to be slow to anger and full of love.
12. Zechariah 7:9
Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.
Explanation:
Justice and mercy go hand-in-hand. God doesn’t want just fairness—He wants kindness. This verse calls us to lead with both.
13. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Explanation:
When we need help, God gives us grace and mercy freely. And when others need help from us, we’re called to offer the same.
14. Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Explanation:
Grace doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means choosing peace over pettiness. Overlooking small offenses is a mark of strength and maturity.
15. Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?”… Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Explanation:
Jesus sets the standard high for grace. This verse reminds us that forgiveness isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle of mercy.
Final Thoughts
Living with grace and mercy doesn’t come naturally. It’s something we grow into, one choice at a time. These Bible verses about showing grace and mercy to others aren’t just feel-good advice—they’re transformational truths that help us become more like Jesus.
When we forgive, when we choose kindness, when we give others what they don’t deserve—we reflect God’s love in a broken world.
Share With Us
What does grace look like in your life? Have you experienced a time when someone showed you unexpected mercy or forgiveness? Do you have a favorite Bible verse about showing grace and mercy to others? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your story and grow together in faith.