Grace and Mercy: Confused, No More

When you think of someone who has the Favor of God, you may think of someone whose life is altogether because you only see tangible evidence of materialistic gains such as the cars, homes, the schools their children attend, and the fabulous vacations they rave about on Monday at the office. Maybe, it is someone who seems perfect because their life is a mirror reflection of everything you lack…yet, have hoped and prayed, for many years. Or, could this person be the epitome of His grace and mercy because they always seem happy-go-lucky about being in excellent health, living their best life with adult children that honor and respect them, plenty of friends and parties to attend with their two-person income selves while you could only wish to have it half as good even on a bad day.

Trust me; I have experienced all of these scenarios first-hand one time or another until I learned a valuable lesson on grace and mercy.

Mercy and grace are two terms whose meanings create confusion. The difference is that mercy is God's decision not to punish us when we miss the mark. He bestows his mercy by not giving us what we deserve. On the other hand, grace is His decision to save and bless us by giving us something we do not deserve. When it seems as if everyone else is winning around you, you must always maintain your faith (Hope) in spite of what you can trace visually. Rest assured, there comes a day when God makes all things right.

As we Walk in Divine Favor, we must continue to rely on the evidence God has performed in our lives in spite of what we have been through. In an attempt to make it less confusing, equate grace and mercy to evidence presented in a court case and leniency the judge extends based on a person’s merit. Evidence, in law, is any material items of fact that parties present as a means of getting at the truth. Once all of the information is presented, the Judge (God) renders a decision. Looking over the Defendant’s (the sinner) record (past deeds) he is found guilty. The judge extends favor by giving him probation “grace” rather than a stiffer punishment. (mercy).

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