Why is faith important for receiving God's mercy?

Faith is the means through which we receive God's mercy; it unites us to Christ and affirms our recognition of His grace as the sole source of salvation. In Jonah 3:5, it is noted that 'the people of Nineveh believed God,' demonstrating an active trust in the proclamation they received. This belief was not abstract but resulted in repentance and a tangible change in behavior, evidencing the transformation God works in the hearts of those He saves. Furthermore, Romans 10:17 tells us that 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' This reinforces that our faith is not based on our efforts but on the message of salvation through Christ. As such, faith in God's ability and willingness to show mercy is the doorway through which we enter into communion with Him and experience saving grace.