Our God is a merciful God.

 "I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us -- yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses."   (Isaiah 63:7 NIV)

While God shows us mercy, He also directs us to show mercy to others. The "compassionate treatment" that defines mercy includes forgiveness. No matter what someone does to you, God directs you to forgive them and not to seek retribution.

"Do not hate your brother in your heart... Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself...."   (Leviticus 19:17-18 NIV)

This familiar refrain was repeated by Jesus a thousand years later.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."   (Mark 12:30-31 NIV)

Forgiveness and mercy go hand in hand with both God and man. The two are inseparable because the prerequisite of forgiveness is mercy. Without mercy on earth, there can be no forgiveness in Heaven.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."   (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV)