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"Mercy" by Avery Stafford: Finding Freedom in God’s Compassion


Avery Stafford's "Mercy" is a relatable song that has been released on Juneteenth, 2025, a time when the world could use a lot more grace. It's a beautiful Christian-pop crossover with a unique two-meter rhythm. The song delivers a powerful message at a time when our world desperately needs individuals filled with mercy and grace. It looks at struggles that most are very familiar with, like self-doubt, guilt, and our longing for unconditional love. Avery asks, "Would You love me if You knew me like I know me?" We already know God's answer: He loves each and every one of us! "That's mercy!" 

Avery Stafford - MercyWe are awed by God's compassion: "Offered kindness in my blindness at my weakest." We cannot earn His grace, and even when we fail, His grace still applies. He already paid the price for us, "The cruel, awful payment so I'd be free" and the cost of redemption was huge! Whatever is weighing us down or holding us away, we may know, "The walls came crashing down in defeat // To Your mercy!", so we may celebrate that He has freed us from guilt. 

His mercy is an example that we may follow and be reflected through us, because the world desperately needs people filled with mercy and grace who act accordingly. This need is reflected in our daily interactions and highlighted by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's public call for mercy. 

When asked how "Mercy" differs from others in his catalog, Avery shared a thought-provoking response: "This one is more than personal. It's deeply human. Rarely does anyone escape the self-doubt that comes with the daily human experience. We seek love, but often find it comes with strings and conditions. So, I poured my own self-loathing and doubt into a praise and worship song that wonders if God would love me if He knew me as I know myself. The message of our shared humanity and our collective need for God's mercy make this song unique." 

Avery sings, "With Your mercy before me and behind me // Nothing will hold me, keep me - from praising Your name!" This song inspires gratitude and adoration and encourages you to connect with God. May this song guide you to find hope and healing in Him, and encourage you to mirror His mercy and grace to the world around you.

(Related scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23; Ephesians 2:4-5; Psalm 103:8-12)

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