The difference between GRACE and MERCY

There is a difference between grace and mercy. I always thought that these two words were synonymous - but they definitely are not. I would like to us to discuss the difference between GRACE and MERCY. Understanding the difference has impacted my life.

I include the following Greek definitions of GRACE and MERCY

Grace

G5485
χάρις
charis
khar'-ece
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

Mercy

MER'CY, n. [L. misericordia.]

1. That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.

The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num 14.

To be or to lie at the mercy of, to have no means of self-defense, but to be dependent for safety on the mercy or compassion of another, or in the power of that which is irresistible; as, to be at the mercy of a foe, or of the waves.


Scriptures that help understand grace are Rom 5 – 10, and the books of Galatians, Ephesians and Colossians.

If you don’t have a lexicon to study the Word you can download e-Sword (www.e-sword.net) for free, or go to www.biblos.com

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Bertie Brits