What does repentance have to do with God's mercy?

Repentance, defined as a change of mind about sin and God, is intrinsically linked to the concept of mercy. The sermon elaborates that God's call to sinners is a call to repentance, as outlined in Matthew 9:13. When individuals grasp the depth of their need for mercy, they are led to repent—not merely as a one-time act but as a continual process of re-evaluation in light of God’s grace. This ongoing need for mercy ensures that repentance is also a continual process for believers. By acknowledging our sinfulness and relying on God’s mercy, we grow in our relationship with Him, responding to His grace with gratitude and deeper faith.