Teaching our children about God’s mercy is an important concept and principle. It’s one of the foundational pillars when it comes to having a relationship with Christ Jesus and one of the most important attributes of God. Keep reading for my best tips on teaching about our gracious God. I also have a printable Scripture journal that can help.

How to Teach Children about the Mercy of God

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we can read about the good news, great kindness, and steadfast love of God. The suggestions below will help children better understand the unfailing love and steadfast love of the Lord. 

Study the meaning of mercy.

Mercy can often be confused with grace and is primarily why its true meaning should be explored. Grace is known as unmerited favor while mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment. Use examples from your own parenting and moments when your children could have gotten in trouble for something, yet you extended mercy to them. By using real-life applications, children can better understand the act of mercy.

Read about the people of Israel in the Old Testament.

From Egypt to the Promised Land, God showed great compassion (and mercy) to His people. Faithless Israel showed time and time again that they did not trust Heavenly Father, yet He continued to be a God of mercy, a God of justice, and still show up in the time of need. Of course, this shouldn’t be used as a license to sin; however, we can truly see that mercy is a gift of God that is extended to all human beings.

Use a Scripture journal.

The Word of God always has and always will have answers to everything that we seek – including knowledge, wisdom, and understanding mercy. When reading about this free gift in the Bible, the Holy Spirit can reveal things that you may not have noticed before. Take time each day, or even several times a week, to study various forms of mercy. There are many accounts all throughout Scripture of the merciful man and righteous man.

The Psalm of David is filled with Bible verses that speak of the glory of God and His everlasting kindness. You can also use my (July) Mommy & Me Scripture Journal: Our God is Merciful.

Mommy & Me: Our God is Merciful Printable Scripture Journals

This month’s theme centers around two verses from the New Testament as they relate to the book of Jonah. 2 Peter 3:9. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” And Luke 6:36 “Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

How to Use This Journal

As you read and copy the Scriptures this month with your children, we encourage you to read the verses aloud. We are reading and copying through all 4 chapters of Jonah this month (July). Most days you will copy several verses, but we recommend you read through each chapter together as you finish them.

>>> GRAB YOUR JOURNAL HERE <<<

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these ideas and resources will help you dive into the wonders of mercy as well as learn how to apply it in your everyday life. We serve an amazing God who is always yearning for us to grow closer in relationship with Him. Reading and studying His Word is one way we can do that. Have you done a topical study about mercy? Let me know your thoughts (and notes) in the comments below!