ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Thirteen Attributes of Mercy

Okay kiddo, imagine you did something really bad and your mom or dad got really mad at you. But then, instead of staying angry, they forgave you and gave you a big hug. That's kind of what the thirteen attributes of mercy are all about.

In the Jewish religion, there are certain prayers that include a special section called the "thirteen attributes of mercy." These are thirteen different ways that God shows mercy and forgiveness to people who have done something wrong.

Here are the thirteen attributes, explained as simply as possible:

1. God is compassionate. This means that God feels sorry for people who are in trouble and wants to help them.

2. God is gracious. This means that God gives people good things that they didn't even ask for or deserve.

3. God is slow to anger. This means that God doesn't get angry right away when people do something wrong. Instead, God gives them a chance to make things right.

4. God is abundant in kindness. This means that God is really, really nice to people and loves to do good things for them.

5. God doesn't give up easily. This means that even if people keep doing bad things, God still tries to help them and show them mercy.

6. God forgives mistakes. This means that even if people make big mistakes, God still loves them and wants to help them fix things.

7. God forgives intentional wrongdoings. This means that even if people do something wrong on purpose, God still wants to help them make it right.

8. God is patient. This means that God is willing to wait for people to learn and grow, even if it takes a long time.

9. God is overflowing with love. This means that God loves people so much that it's like a big, overflowing fountain of love.

10. God is truthful. This means that God always tells the truth and is honest with people.

11. God secures kindness into a thousand generations. This means that God's kindness and love will be passed down from generation to generation.

12. God forgives less serious sins. This means that even if people do something small that's not too bad, God still shows mercy and forgives them.

13. God forgives really serious sins. This means that even if people do something really, really bad, God still wants to help them and show them mercy.

So, the thirteen attributes of mercy are all about how God is really kind and forgiving, even when we mess up. Just like when our parents forgive us and give us a big hug, God shows us mercy and love when we need it most.