It’s quite common, actually, for others to say that they give grace to those who have offended them. But is that even possible? Biblically speaking, can I give grace? Or is it actually mercy that I am extending to others? Or is it forgiveness? The words “grace” and “mercy” are used interchangeably, so let’s straighten that out with a Biblical exploration. In this post, we will discover the Biblical difference between grace and mercy and what our response should be toward others.
If you were to Google search “what does it mean to give grace to others,” or “what is the difference between grace and mercy,” you will find results that speak of using the word “grace” with the definition of forgiving others. Therefore, the subsequent results speak of forgiveness. That is not grace. That is extending forgiveness, which also leads to mercy.
In your search, you would also find results that speak of giving others a free pass. This may sound kind, but when the offence is spiritual, a free pass should not be offered. A free pass implies ignoring the sin committed against you. That should not happen.
Exploring the Difference Between Grace and Mercy
Let’s begin with the English dictionary. Since we are English-speaking, and we read our Bibles in the English language, it is not uncommon for us to apply a known English meaning to establish an understanding.
I use the Collins Canadian Dictionary, which states that mercy means compassionate treatment of an offender or enemy who is in one’s power.
Let’s compare that English interpretation to the Biblical meaning. Vine’s Expository Dictionary states:
Mercy: kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them
- of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show oneself merciful
- of God towards men: in general providence; the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ
- the mercy of Christ, whereby at his return to judgment, he will bless true Christians with eternal life
While the Collins Dictionary has a similar definition, the Vine’s Dictionary reveals truth from the Bible.
God’s Mercy as Seen in the Bible
When we think of God’s character, what comes to mind? Does mercy? We know He is a merciful God, extending mercy to those who need it. But what is mercy? We have the meaning above, from Vine’s Dictionary, but maybe these descriptions will help with our understanding:
Here are a few descriptions of God’s Mercy:
- Rich, Ephesians 2:4-5
- Merciful, Luke 6:36, Matthew 5:7, Psalm 103:8
- Plenteous, 2 Corinthians 9:8
- New every morning, Lamentations 3:22-23
Mercy is God’s Delight
Micah 7:18 states: Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. (NKJV)
Isn’t that wonderful to read that God delights to show mercy? He delights in giving us mercy when we need it.
Mercy is manifested
- When God sent Christ to earth
- In salvation
- In long-suffering
- To His people
- To them that fear Him
- The returning backsliders experience mercy
- To repentant sinners
- To the afflicted
- The fatherless will receive mercy
- To whom He will
- With everlasting kindness
- A ground of hope
- A ground of trust
Mercy should be
- Sought for ourselves
- Sought for others
- Magnified
Now, let’s turn our attention to the companion of Mercy. That is, Grace.
Exploring the Difference Between Grace and Mercy
When you think of the word “grace”, how do you use it? Is it similar to Collins Canadian Dictionary’s definition of “grace”?
- Beauty and elegance
- Polite, kind behaviour
- Goodwill or favour
- Delay granted
- Courtesy or decency
- Short prayer of thanks for a meal
Let’s compare the English definition with the Biblical meaning. Vine’s Dictionary for “grace” is CHARIS, which includes these uses:
- Initially, it is objective, meaning we can be gracious or kind toward others by using gracious words (Colossians 4:6). This implies that it is our actions toward others.
- CHARIS is also used subjectively, where we are friendly, bestowing acts of graciousness, loving-kindness, and goodwill.
Reading these two examples makes it clear that we show kindness to others through our actions or words.
However, believers receive grace from God the Father and from Christ the Son as His unmerited favour upon us that we do not deserve, yet He gives it freely to all who believe. We do not receive grace from each other.
What Does God’s Grace Mean?
Grace is God’s unmerited favour, which is seen through the gift of salvation. We cannot give unmerited favour, for it is not ours to give. In other words, we do not have the capacity to give grace. We can, however, receive it from God, but we cannot give it to others; yet, we can be kind and gracious with our words and actions.
Grace saves us from eternal damnation, and it influences us to live right with God, 2 Timothy 1:9. It strengthens our faith and enables us to forgive others as we have been forgiven, Colossians 3;13, Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22.
Remember this teaching by Jesus, blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. By God’s provision of grace, we can extend mercy to those who deserve consequences, just as God has extended mercy to us by not giving us what we deserve. Let me summarize that statement.
- Mercy is not getting what we deserve; that is, the punishment is withheld.
- Grace is getting what we don’t deserve; that is, we obtained unmerited, or unearned favour.
Mercy is something we can and should extend to others, while grace is something we cannot give away. We can only receive it from God, not our friends, nor extend it to them.
What the Bible Says about Grace
Romans 6:14 reminds us that we are not under the law but under grace. God’s grace is accessible through our faith, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation is not something we give to ourselves. It can only be obtained through the shed blood of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His death on the cross provided us with the gift of salvation. It is His grace that was and is still available today for all who have faith to believe in Him.
A few examples of where we see grace mentioned in the Scriptures:
- Salvation, Titus 2:11, Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 15:11
- Sufficient, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Gift, Romans 3:24, Romans 11:6, John 1:16, Romans 3:20-24
- Plenteous, 2 Corinthians 9:8, James 4:6
- Of God, and of Jesus, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 5:15, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 20:32, John 1:17, Titus 3:7, Revelation 22:21
- Justified, Titus 3:7, Romans 5:1-2, Romans 3:23-24
- Spiritual Growth, 2 Peter 3:18
- Power, Acts 4:33
If you’ve taken the time to read each of the related Scripture references in the above list, did you notice anything in particular? Did any of the verses relate to believers having the capacity to give grace to others?
Remember, we can act graciously, but we cannot extend grace as we do not have the capability.
Conclusion
To wrap up this exploration of mercy and grace, we can conclude with Biblical references that:
Grace is given to us by God and is known as unearned or unmerited favour that He bestows on us. God has blessed us with good things that we do not deserve or could ever earn.
Mercy is what each of us receives from God when we do not deserve it. He does not owe us anything, yet He has given us everything.
We are commanded to forgive others, show mercy, express acts of kindness and compassion, speak graciously, as we pray for others and show Christ’s love to them.
What are your thoughts about this? Am I off the mark? Have I misinterpreted the Scriptures?
In Him We Live,
~ Cindy ~
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