Mercy and Grace

Mercy and Grace - we are very familiar with these words but have you ever stopped to think about what each word really means? Recently, I found myself thinking about it, and there are two meanings that I would like to expound on now. 

Mercy is about forgiveness

One definition of mercy is compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power;  a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.

The Latin word refers to benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness in a variety of ethical, religious, social and legal contexts.

In the social and legal context, mercy may refer to compassionate behavior on the part of those in power (e.g. mercy shown by a judge).

In Ephesians 2:4, Paul refers to the mercy of God in terms of salvation: "God, being rich in mercy,... even when we were dead through our sins, made us alive together with Christ."

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Praise God! His mercies are new every morning. He is always quick to forgive us when we repent.  

Grace is about acceptance

One definition of grace is, unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast. 

Romans 5:2 Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Grace is a gift that God has freely given to us. When we accept Him as Savior, He accepts us as His children. That acceptance just overwhelms me at times. I have to remember that it is not because of anything I've done, but because of everything Jesus did. God's love for us goes beyond all the wrong choices we have made; His sacrifice of His Son was the ultimate gift to you and to me.

If you have not yet accepted God's gift of salvation, you can stop where you are now and ask Him to be Lord of your life. He accepts you just the way you are. 


Be blessed,
Dawn