Mercy and Grace

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. Hebrews 4:16 

We usually think of Mercy and Grace together like ham and eggs or biscuits and gravy. (I really should have breakfast BEFORE I write these things.) However, mercy and grace or different. Mercy is forgiveness for what we have done; grace is the power to not do it again.

Mercy is God withholding the punishment we rightfully deserve. Grace is God not only withholding that punishment but offering the most precious of gifts instead. Mercy pays the penalty for our sin at the cross. Grace substitutes the righteousness of Christ for our wickedness. Jeremiah, David (2006-03-07). Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God (p. 23). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

We can be merciful, in fact, God tells us that unless we forgive we won’t be forgiven, but we can’t pass out Mercy and Grace like God can. God forgives even though He has perfect knowledge of just how sinful we are. He also knows how soon we will repeat our sin. For us, it is tough to be merciful, even with our limited knowledge. As to grace, we don’t have the power to gift like God does. We can forgive infractions, but have now way to empower others to improve.

Perfect mercy and grace are God things. We should rejoice that it is so.