Mercy - A complete pardon of an offense
(not getting what we do deserve)
Grace- A free and unmerited favor or gift
(getting what we don't deserve)
These are my two favorite words in the Bible. They describe God's love so fully to me.
First, He forgives us from what we deserve as sinners. We deserve God's wrath & judgement here on earth, and ultimately death and eternal separation from him. But God is full of mercy, and sent his Son to take our place of wrath. We aren't going to get what we deserve.
Then like a cherry on your sundae, or whipped cream on your mocha, God has grace for us. He sends us blessings in life, He lavishes His love on us. He comforts, heals, protects, and provides. And what have we done to deserve all these things? Nothing, absolutely nothing. In fact, without Jesus' blood and mercy, all we have to offer our Lord are filthy rags.
You can tell me you have had a rough life. That God doesn't love you. That it's not been anything like mine. But do any of us really deserve a dream life? I know I don't. I mess things up constantly.
God is a gracious, merciful God.
Hebrews 4:11
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain
mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
Read Part I: Of the Faithless and the Faithful One here.
Mercy and Grace...part of our daily theology in this everyday life, especially raising kids. We learn so much as we try to explain, and even harder-- try to live-- the gospel!
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