Psalms 86:15

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

Context:Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, expressing his trust in God and seeking His mercy and protection. In this particular verse, David acknowledges the character of God and highlights His attributes.

The word “compassion” in this verse refers to God’s deep feeling of empathy and concern for His people. It emphasizes His tenderness and willingness to extend mercy and help to those in need. God’s compassion is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating His loving nature towards humanity.

The word “gracious” describes God’s generosity, kindness, and willingness to show favor. It signifies that God freely bestows blessings, forgiveness, and salvation upon His people, even though they may not deserve it. His grace is a gift that cannot be earned but is given out of His love and mercy.

Longsuffering means being patient and slow to anger. It reflects God’s patience in dealing with human weaknesses, failures, and sins. Despite our shortcomings, God shows great patience, giving us opportunities to repent, change, and turn back to Him.

The phrase “plenteous in mercy” indicates the abundant and overflowing nature of God’s mercy. God’s mercy is boundless and plentiful, surpassing any sin or mistake we may have committed. He is always ready to extend His mercy and forgiveness to those who sincerely seek Him.

The word “truth” signifies God’s faithfulness, reliability, and adherence to His promises. God is completely trustworthy and His actions are consistent with His character. His truthfulness ensures that His mercy, compassion, and grace are not just empty words but are rooted in His unchanging nature.