Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Instead of just "be merciful," the Greek implies a process of becoming—meaning our mercy isn't just a state, but something we actively grow into. This call to action urges us to cultivate a compassionate heart, mirroring God's own generous spirit that extends to everyone, regardless of their actions.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just delivered a radical teaching on loving enemies and doing good to those who hate you, contrasting it with the limited reciprocity common even among "sinners." This verse then serves as the direct application and ultimate motivation for that challenging command, urging his followers to mirror the boundless compassion of their heavenly Father.
Ever wonder what 'merciful' really means? It's more than just feeling sorry for someone. It's about action, and it's central to God's very being.
Jesus calls us to be 'merciful.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental aspect of reflecting God's character. While Matthew's Gospel uses the word 'perfect' in a similar passage, Luke emphasizes 'merciful.' This highlights that God's perfection, in this context, is expressed through His deep compassion and willingness to act kindly, especially towards those who don't deserve it.
God's Essential Nature:
Our Response:
Does God only show kindness to people who 'deserve' it? The Bible gives a resounding 'no!' And Jesus expects the same from us.
The context of Luke 6:36 is Jesus' teaching on radical love, including loving enemies and doing good to those who hate us. This sets the stage for understanding God's mercy is for.
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God's Unconditional Kindness:
Our Imitation:
Understand the original words
oiktirmōn · Greek Adjective
Compassion or pity in action, specifically reflecting God's kindness toward those who are undeserving or in misery. It involves a deep emotional connection that results in active help or pardon.
This passage presents a parallel command, urging believers to 'be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,' which complements Luke's emphasis on mercy as a key aspect of that divine perfection.
James 5:11James directly quotes the sentiment of God's abundant mercy, calling Him 'very pitiful and full of mercy,' reinforcing the nature of the Father that believers are called to emulate.
Colossians 3:12Paul instructs believers to 'put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,' echoing Luke's call to mercy by detailing the practical expressions of a merciful disposition.
1 Peter 1:15-16This passage calls believers to 'be holy yourselves in all your conduct, because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy,'' directly linking holiness, as emphasized in the Old Testament, to the merciful character modeled by God.
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
ellicottLuke 6:36: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."
(36) Be ye therefore merciful. —The form of the sentence is the same as that of Matthew 5:48 , but “merciful” takes the place of “perfect,” as being the noblest of the divine attributes, in which all others reach their completeness. The well-known passage in Shakespeare on the “quality of mercy,” is, perhaps, the best comment on this verse ( Merchant of Venice, iv. 1).
Instead of just "be merciful," the Greek implies a process of becoming—meaning our mercy isn't just a state, but something we actively grow into. This call to action urges us to cultivate a compassionate heart, mirroring God's own generous spirit that extends to everyone, regardless of their actions.
Jesus has just delivered a radical teaching on loving enemies and doing good to those who hate you, contrasting it with the limited reciprocity common even among "sinners." This verse then serves as the direct application and ultimate motivation for that challenging command, urging his followers to mirror the boundless compassion of their heavenly Father.
Jesus has just delivered a radical teaching on loving enemies and doing good to those who hate you, contrasting it with the limited reciprocity common even among "sinners." This verse then serves as the direct application and ultimate motivation for that challenging command, urging his followers to mirror the boundless compassion of their heavenly Father.
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." — Instead of just "be merciful," the Greek implies a process of becoming—meaning our mercy isn't just a state, but something we actively grow into. This call to action urges us to cultivate a compass…
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Last reviewed October 2026