Opening Questions
- What does the word “mercy” mean to you? How do you typically define or understand it?
- Can you think of a time when someone showed you mercy, or when you extended mercy to someone else? Share your experience if you feel comfortable.
Exploring God’s Mercy
Read the passages aloud in your group
Psalm 136
- This psalm repeatedly declares, “His mercy endures forever.” What aspects of God’s mercy are highlighted here?
- How does recalling God’s past actions (creation, deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness) demonstrate his enduring mercy? What are some practical ways to respond to God’s steadfast mercy?
Psalm 103:8-12
- What specific attributes of God are mentioned in these verses that speak to his mercy and compassion?
- How does the phrase “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” illustrate the extent of God’s forgiveness and mercy?
- What does it mean to you personally that God “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities?”
Matthew 18:23-33
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
- How does the massive debt owed by the first servant to the king illustrate the magnitude of our sin before God?
- What was the king’s response to the servant’s plea for mercy?
- What does this reveal about God’s character?
- How did the forgiven servant treat his fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount?
- Why is this action so problematic in light of the mercy he had received?
Applying God’s Mercy
- How well do you think Christians today reflect God’s mercy in their daily lives and interactions?
- Who is someone in your life who needs you to extend mercy to them this week?
- How can your small group pray for you as you seek to do that?
- What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God’s mercy to someone in your sphere of influence?