What Is The Difference Between Grace and Mercy?
Published December 4th, 2019
Though often used interchangeably, “grace” and “mercy” differ in many ways.
In a nutshell, they are two sides of the same coin. Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.
Sounds confusing? Let’s break it down bit by bit.
In the dictionary, grace is defined as courteous goodwill. Meaning, it’s not asked for nor deserved, but is freely given. Mercy, on the other hand, is the compassion and kindness shown to someone whom it is in one’s power to punish or harm. It is an act meant to relieve someone of their suffering.
Let’s put it this way: suppose someone attempted to rob your house. You learned that the robber was just in a desperate situation and didn’t intend to do any harm at all. Instead of calling the police, you chose to pardon the thief and let the matter go – that’s mercy. Then you gave him some food and a few dollars to get him through this trying time – that’s grace.
In a world where mistakes are swiftly punished, and goodwill is only for the worthy, grace and mercy are an absolute necessity.
Grace vs. Mercy in Christianity
One of the most prominent stories in the bible is that of King David. Despite being a great ruler, he was a fornicator and an adulterer. But he is not alone. Plenty of other bible characters have done something terrible at some point in their lives. Saul was a disbeliever, Moses was a doubter, and Jacob was a liar.
Despite this, God made them his witness and used them to accomplish His purpose. Not only did He forgive them, but He also endowed them with unmerited favor.
Like these bible characters, we are all recipients of God’s mercy and grace as well. Despite having sinned over and over again, He has shown us kindness and compassion. He even sent his only son so all of us can be saved – an act of grace that we do not deserve.
In Christian theology, grace is often classified into two types: common and saving grace. The former is universal. It’s God’s grace to all of humanity regardless of their faith in Him. Examples of common grace are the beauty of creation, the life we enjoy, and the resources we are provided.
A saving grace, meanwhile, is that which provides salvation to a person. This type of grace is manifested in Jesus Christ himself, whom He sent to save us all. (Related: 5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness)
Responding to Grace and Mercy
Grace and mercy are undoubtedly God’s ultimate expression of love for us. But how should we respond to this undeserved kindness? The bible teaches us of three ways: recognize, accept, and grow.
Recognize
To be able to respond to his grace and mercy fully, we must first recognize our need for such. We must humbly accept that we are all sinners and imperfect, and everything we have is thanks to Him. Let us shed our pride and shift our focus away from ourselves. Only by doing so can we acknowledge His presence in our lives and all the blessings we’ve received from Him.
Accept
He has given His grace and mercy for free, never asking anything in return. Thus, it’s only right to accept these acts of love with all our hearts. Wholehearted acceptance is the best way of showing our gratefulness for everything we’ve received.
Grow
When we accept his grace, we begin to grow in his love. In time, these seeds of love that He has planted in our hearts will take root and bear fruits. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we can then spread to the world the grace and mercy that He generously bestowed upon us.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a full time blogger and is devoted to topics about charity, kindness, and Christianity. She is part of Correct Digital, Inc which is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
June 2, 2020 @ 10:20 pm
Powerful world of knowledge. Insight and understanding.
June 22, 2020 @ 8:56 pm
This is what I just need in times like this.After reading this been smiling at with myself.
July 20, 2020 @ 10:43 pm
Thank you for posting this. Great for research!
August 4, 2020 @ 5:13 pm
Please keep me updated via email any time you post I really enjoy your anology and simple explanation
August 11, 2020 @ 3:27 pm
Always give me update on new topic and bible verse for study 📓
August 18, 2020 @ 7:49 am
Thank you for sharing your insight. I plan to use portions of this for bible study and will be referencing your website and giving credit to you, the author. Thanks again! J. Williams
September 23, 2020 @ 12:15 pm
I Thank you so much for a simple and informative guide. I have understood the two meanings perfectly.
September 24, 2020 @ 4:45 pm
Your post is wonderful and very impactful. It has blessed my soul immeasurably. Thanks.
November 16, 2020 @ 1:57 am
I have learnt the 2 kind of grace:
Common grace
Saving grace
And how to operate in the grace:
1. Recognize grace
2.accept the grace
3. Grow in the grace.
We grow in grace by extending grace and mercy to others
By giving.
Thank for the word of grace you shared
December 1, 2020 @ 12:32 pm
Judy, you are great in Christ Jesus!!!
What a wonderful explanation.
God bless you.
I am really satisfied both physically and spiritually.
Please, Judy, play this hymn for your relaxation. “Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices”
Amen!!!
December 9, 2020 @ 1:34 pm
Thank you for this word. It has indeed bless me today. My daughter asked about this and wanted to know if Grace and mercy rained out
December 26, 2020 @ 10:40 am
Am bless really bless
January 24, 2021 @ 11:46 pm
I am blessed. Thank you so much dear!
January 26, 2021 @ 6:39 am
We need to cry unto God for mercy to attract God attention just as the blind bartimaus did because in Matt 7:7 is a requirement to show that in see MK 10:46 how bartimaus cried aloud despite disciples told him to keep quiet he cried the more hence Jesus stopped to attend to him and healed him. So mercy is not not for those who don’t demand for it. You have to humbly demand for it. That is my contribution.
January 26, 2021 @ 9:30 pm
Excellent insight and thoughtful edification for me!
February 2, 2021 @ 5:55 am
Very wonderful explanation of Grace and Mercy.
Greater and higher revelations of God, His word and acts u to you in Jesus name…
February 4, 2021 @ 11:49 pm
I totally agree with you Esther. So grateful for His mercy and grace in our lives. Great to see you here👍🏾
May 21, 2021 @ 5:45 am
Lady Ponio,
Thank you for explaining so elegant and clear the difference between grace and mercy. This was so helpful. May God continue to bless you…
May 23, 2021 @ 9:48 am
Thank you so much! I learnt I have got both at the same time through Jesus! Heb 4:16 Mercy-Grace-Faith.
June 22, 2021 @ 1:11 am
This was so good to me, and the understanding of grace and mercy only became clearer, thank you.
July 30, 2021 @ 4:09 am
Thank you so much for this piece, God bless and increase you.
August 3, 2021 @ 8:49 am
God bless you and your wonderful work. This explanation of grace and mercy is what God wants me to understand. Thank you so much.
August 4, 2021 @ 10:42 pm
I’m glad for this beautiful moment. I pray to God to start a new creation and breakthrough in my life from now on. God bless you author.
October 3, 2021 @ 10:23 pm
Thank you for explaining the difference between grace and mercy. l now have a clearer understanding.