Psalm 6:9, Genesis 15:1–6, Matthew 5:44–47, 6:5-6. William Shakespeare captured something of the wonder of mercy in Portia’s speech in The Merchant of Venice:‘The quality of mercy is not strain’d,It droppeth as the gentle rain from heavenUpon the place beneath: it is twice blest;It blesseth him that gives and him that takes 'Act IV Scene IYou are blessed when you receive mercy and you are blessed when you are merciful to others