The Journey to Grace and Mercy

Bible Study Notes | October 28,2020

Definitions and Differences between Grace and Mercy

Grace and mercy often get confused.  Many times, people use them interchangeably without much attention to the distinctive difference that exists between the two terms.  In short, “grace” is “unmerited favor.”  It is receiving something we don’t deserve.  “Mercy,” on the other hand, is “not getting what we deserve.”  Mercy is deliverance from judgment.  Grace is extending kindness to those who are unworthy.

Here is a simple illustration:  We get stopped by a police officer for speeding.  If the officer is merciful, he will let you off with a warning instead of issuing a ticket.  That is mercy.  But, let’s say the officer reaches in his wallet and gives you a hundred and eighty dollars before sending you on your way to pay for the fine.  That would be grace.

Another simple illustration:  You get the speeding ticket and go before the judge.  If he tells you that no charges will be filed and no fines taken from you, even though you are guilty, that is mercy.  If he slams down the gavel proclaiming your guilt and says there is a fine to pay, but then takes off his robes and goes to the clerk of the court and pays your fine himself, that is grace!

Grace:  Grace is often described as a blessing that we do not necessarily deserve.  Grace is not earned.  In the scope of Christianity, the love of God shown to mankind, despite our shortcomings and sin would be grace.  Grace is generosity that we receive unexpectedly, in wishful thinking or possibly asking for a favor.  It is not something that is based on our own merits (the receiver), but on the giver.  In essence, grace is receiving a divine favor.  Grace is not a matter of justice.

Mercy:  Mercy is often described as a showing of compassion to someone who has done something wrong.  It is an act of being spared judgment.  In the scope of Christianity, mercy can be understood as giving compassion and forgiveness to someone under our authority.  (The police officer to the speeder or the judge to the speeder in the above illustrations.  In both instances, the speeder is under authority.)  Mercy is forbearance shown to law-breakers.  It usually involves “pity” in some way.  Mercy is a matter of justice.

The Bible tells us: we have all sinned.  Romans 3:23 states, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”  Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

The Bible tells us:  as a result of our sin, we deserve death.  Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Revelation 20:12-15 states, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

With these two things in mind, every day we live is an act of God’s mercy.  We deserve death, death right now, but God is not giving out that punishment to us in this very moment.  If God gave mankind what we deserved, mankind would be condemned to Hell immediately.  Listen to what David said in Psalms 51:1-2.  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”  David pleads to God for mercy in asking Him to withhold judgment, a judgment deserved.  Instead, David requests forgiveness that he (and us) in no way deserves.  What is the basis for this mercy?  God’s unfailing love.  In other words, mercy is found in the character and nature of God.

Because of actions, attitudes, and thoughts, we deserve absolutely nothing from God.  God owes us not one thing.  Anything good we receive from God is because of His grace.  Remember, grace is unmerited favor.  It is getting what you don’t deserve.  Rescued from God’s judgment (a.k.a. mercy), anything above this is given and afforded to us through His grace.  Romans 3:23-24 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  In a very real sense, God has given His grace upon all of mankind, but saving grace comes to those who will embrace Jesus, His Son, as Savior and Lord.

Mercy and grace are illustrated well in Jesus Christ.  We deserve judgment, eternal separation from God.  But, when we are obedient to Jesus and accept Him as Savior, we receive mercy from God and our sin is not counted against us.  Instead of judgment, we receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation for our soul.  This is grace!  Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Closing thoughts:

How are grace and mercy similar? How are they different?

How has God shown His grace?

How has God shown His mercy?

What difference has God’s grace and mercy made in the world?

In your life, do you GIVE more grace or mercy?  Explain.

In your life, do you RECEIVE more grace or mercy?

Is one easier or more difficult to give or receive than the other? Explain.

Has anyone ever taken advantage of your mercy? Explain.

Has anyone ever taken advantage of your grace?