The Difference Between Grace and Mercy

I never thought about the difference between grace and mercy until yesterday while I was listening to an old sermon podcast where the two were brought up. The difference is far more powerful than I ever thought.

Mercy is not receiving the punishment you deserve. The dictionary definition is, “compassion or forgiveness shown to someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” The example given in the sermon was a police officer pulling someone over for speeding, but instead of giving the person a ticket the police officer just lets the person go with a warning. The police officer had every right to give the person a ticket, but instead showed mercy by letting the person go.

Grace is receiving a gift for something you do not deserve. The basic Christian definition of grace is, “free and unmerited favor of God, shown not just through salvation but also through blessings.” The example given in the sermon was a police officer pulling someone over for speeding, but  instead of giving the person a ticket the police officer gives the person $1,000. The police officer had every right to give the person a ticket, but instead showed grace by giving the person $1,000. The person deserved to have to pay money for breaking the law, but instead received a ton of money.

Because of sin we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:2) and we deserve death (Romans 6:23) and judgment (Romans 2:6-8). Mercy would mean we simply don’t go to Hell because of our sin. Mercy is wonderful, but it isn’t the end of God’s goodness. It’s by grace that we are welcomed into heaven. Our sins are far worse than one speeding ticket. And heaven is far, far greater than receiving $1,000 for our sins. God’s love is truly amazing!

There is a reason why the Greek word for grace (“charisma”) is often translated as “favor.” Favor is being given a free meal at a restaurant. Favor is getting a first class airplane ticket when you only paid for a regular ticket. The favor of God is far greater than those things. We don’t deserve anything good, but God offers all things. Why? Because His grace has no limit. It is unmerited favor. Other people can get upset and jealous all they want when they see an “undeserving” person getting blessed, but that is just the way it is with God.

James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” God wants us to bring our desires to Him. We don’t have to be religious and perfect in order to receive blessings from Him. Grace is unmerited favor. We can ask regardless of how “well” we are doing. We definitely should live a life of obedience out of our love and response to His goodness, but we should never limit what we can receive from God because of our own failures. God wants us to receive His grace fully and completely. Ask for more favor! Ask for more of His grace and His strength! He will not hold back!

Luke 11:9 – And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.