Mercy

What is the difference between grace and mercy? 

Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. The focus of grace is favor and blessing, while the focus of mercy is compassion and forgiveness. Grace is receiving eternal life through Jesus Christ, and mercy is being forgive instead of punished.

Mercy is not just something God does — it's part of His identity. His mercy flows from His nature — not our performance. God's love and mercy is freely given. There's nothing we can do to earn it.

2. Mercy meets us in our mess.

His mercy covers the punishment we deserve. We no longer have to offer sacrifices to atone for our sins because Jesus died for us on the cross and gave the ultimate sacrifice. All you have to do is repent to God, and He will forgive you. You don't have to get good to receive God's mercy. When you reach out to Him, God will meet you where you are.

3. Mercy is available daily.

God's mercy is not a one time event. It's fresh and ever-present. We sin every day, so we need God's mercy every day. What is something in your life that reminds you of how much you need daily mercy?

4. Jesus is the ultimate expression of mercy.

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of mercy. Like grace, mercy is freely given through Jesus Christ — you can't earn it. Have you fully received God's mercy, or are you still trying to "deserve" it?

5. Mercy empowers us to show mercy.

God has called us to be conduits of mercy, not just recipients. Sometimes we want to receive God's mercy more than we want to give mercy to those around us, but the Bible tells us that mercy should flow through us, not just to us. We should extend mercy to others, not judgement.