But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us
The world is full of contrasts—darkness and light, health and sickness, love and hate. This verse brings us to the greatest contrast in the entire Bible. After detailing the dire condition of the human race in the previous three verses, Paul uses the unassuming little words “but God” to open a beautiful section describing what the Lord has done to save us from our hopeless plight.
Before delving into the nitty-gritty of God’s actions, Paul begins by telling us more about our Creator and what motivates him. First, we learn that God is “rich in mercy.” The word “rich” evokes a picture of extreme wealth, a treasure so abundant it can’t be counted. The term “mercy” means “compassion” or “benevolence.” It indicates a desire to show favor and alleviate suffering. Such is God’s attitude toward mankind! His mercy will never run out!
In the original Greek text, the phrases translated as “because of” or “on account of” reveal God’s ultimate motivation: His love! He is merciful because he loves us. To make sure there’s no doubt about how much he loves us, Paul describes his love as “great,” indicating an abundance or a huge amount.
Despite mankind’s rebellion and sin, and despite all the horrors committed by human hands, God remains full of love and mercy. Paul gives us a glimpse into the divine heart, revealing compassion, kindness, goodwill, and sacrificial love.
How can we not respond in kind?