The terms “mercy” and “grace,” which are frequently employed in the Bible, are crucial to comprehend. Although the meanings of the two terms are similar, there are some minor distinctions. To put it briefly, mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is receiving what you don’t deserve.
Grace
God’s grace is the means by which we, as Christians, are saved from the punishment of our sin. “Because you have been saved by grace through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is God’s gift—not by works, so that no one can boast,” reads Ephesians 2:8–9. GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense is another simple method to recall what grace means.
Because of what Jesus accomplished for us on the death, we are able to embrace God’s forgiveness and a host of other spiritual treasures and blessings when we believe that He died on the cross for us (Ephesians 1:3). Thus, grace is what we are receiving that we do not deserve.
Mercy
God’s law states that we are destined for punishment. However, as a result of [God’s immense love for us], He sent Jesus to fulfill our debt of punishment. He will therefore permit us to be freed from our penalty. Thus, we are not receiving the mercy that we truly deserve. “However, God’s abundance of mercy stems from the immense love that He has for us.” (Romans 2:4).
Example of Grace and Mercy
Consider the following scenario: a criminal appears before a judge and is sentenced to death by the law. And if the judge then receives the punishment and passes away in place of the offender. The judge gives the felon his whole inheritance, including his home and money. After that, how do you believe the offender will live? He not only avoided the penalty but also got an inheritance that he never should have had in the first place.
That is just what Jesus accomplished for us; like a judge, He bore the penalty on our behalf. This is mercy. He gave the criminal access to His home, finances, and belongings. Receiving something we don’t deserve is what grace is all about. Because of what Christ has done for us, grace and mercy have been extended to all Christians worldwide. God commands us to treat people with kindness and grace in a same manner. requesting that we forgive those who have harmed us and provide love to those who don’t deserve it.
Read more: What does it mean to receive God’s grace?
