Grace and Mercy-the difference.

I was asked what was the difference between grace and mercy, what they mean and how are they different.

I would appreciate any answers. Thanks and God bless.

The first and likely overly simple definition I learned is that grace is getting something you don’t deserve and mercy is NOT getting something you DO deserve.

The definition from TMK is popular but I think it is Scripturally incomplete. Everything received from God is grace or favor, including mercy. Mercy is much more than just forgivenesss of sin or a debt . Beggars asked for mercy from Jesus and others for food for example. Mercy is one category of grace.

I agree that mercy comes from God and could technically be a part of grace but in practical terms mercy is synonymous with forbearance.

Thanks for your replies. Some things to meditate on.
God bless.

Enid,

I understand grace to mean divine empowerment to fulfill the will of God.

Mercy, would be to extend reprieve from a punishment due to you for wrong committed.

I am also told there is a scripture that would indicate grace to mean something similar to mercy but am not sure where it is. In any case when you read scripture and understand grace to mean divinely bestowed enablement to do God's will it makes more sense.

Hope this helps.

Sandra

Thanks Ginnyrose, it does help.