Grace and Mercy

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23

In the Christian Church, the terms grace and mercy are often used together and many believers do not know the difference between the two. Are they the same thing? The New Oxford Dictionary defines grace as “simple elegance or refinement of movement,” or “a courteous goodwill.” Mercy is defined as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.” The biblical definition of grace is what we receive from God that we do not deserve (Ephesians 2:5-9) while mercy is what we do not get what we deserve (Ephesians 2:4). In other words, “mercy is deliverance from judgment and grace is extending kindness to the unworthy” (gotquestions.org). Many of us understand the need for God’s grace, but often forget the need for God’s mercy. However, it is important for us to repent and receive His mercy each day. This week we read that God’s steadfast love and mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). As God’s children, each day gives us another opportunity to experience God’s love and mercy. How do we do this? We need to make sure that our confessions are current each day and experience his forgiveness and mercy. We need to go to God daily, in prayer and in His Word, recognizing that apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). The Well Church, may God renew us each day with His grace and mercy. Great is God’s Faithfulness!