Grace & Mercy
Grace and mercy are two beautiful gifts from God that are often mentioned together, but they’re not the same. Here’s how they’re different and how the Bible helps us understand them:
Grace
Getting What We Don’t Deserve - You are loved and accepted.
Grace is God’s unearned favor. It means He blesses us, saves us, and loves us, not because we earned it, but because He is good.
Grace Is a Gift
You can’t work for it or earn it. God gives it freely.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
Grace Saves Us
We are made right with God because of Jesus’ sacrifice, not our good deeds.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Grace Helps Us to Live for God
Grace doesn’t just save, it helps us live the way God desires.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions...” Titus 2:11–12 (NIV)
Mercy
Not Getting What We Do Deserve - You are forgiven and free.
Mercy is when God withholds the punishment we do deserve. He chooses to forgive us instead of judge us.
Mercy Flows from God’s Compassion
God’s heart is full of mercy. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve.
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103:8,10 (NIV)
Mercy Leads to Forgiveness
When we confess and repent, God shows mercy.
“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 (NIV)
God’s Mercy Is New Every Day
His mercy doesn’t run out, it’s renewed each morning.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)