Mercy and grace are an absolute necessity in a world where we are quick to judge and punish mistakes and reserve goodwill for the worthy only.Īccording to Christian theology, we can classify grace into two categories: saving grace and common grace. See, you could have punished the thug for his mistakes because he rightfully deserved, but you show him mercy and grace. You then give him a hot meal, some money, and help him get a job. Instead of calling the police on him, you let him go scot-free. You learn that he’s going through a rough patch which led him to the robbery, but he had no intention of hurting anyone. You order him to sit down as you try to understand why he chose the wrong path in life. You overpower the thug and take the weapon from his hands. Picture this: an armed thief breaks into your home, and a fight ensues between you and them. Mercy is kindness and compassion we can show it to people to relieve their pain or suffering. Meaning, we can not deserve it, and we can not ask for it- we receive it freely. The dictionary defines grace as polite goodwill. Mercy is an expression and extension of God’s steadfast love for us. Mercy chooses not to be disgruntled and gently sees hurting hearts behind hurtful words. Mercy powers compassion-it gives gleams of light in a dark world- it’s empathy, forgiveness, and kindness. Grace is God’s unmerited favor that He gave to us by sending us His only son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to die on that rugged cross, therefore securing our eternal salvation from all manner of sin. Grace is God’s attribute most revealed in the sinner’s salvation. Grace is love that God gives to us not because we do anything to earn it, but because God wants us to have it. In the Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, grace is the act of endowing unmerited favor, while mercy is the act of endowing unmerited favor. The Greek word for grace is Charis, meaning favor, while for mercy is Elos meaning compassion and pity. So, what are grace and mercy, and how are they different from each other? Definitions And Differences Even though both terms represent the attributes of love, and people use them interchangeably, they differ in meaning. While one can stand without the other, they look and sound better together. Grace and mercy are like two sides of the same coin.
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