Questions of Mercy and Grace-Is Mercy important to us? Yes. Mercy is an emotion, object, and action, all acting together in one. It is something that a person can feel, for himself or upon others; it is a presence, something that is given from one person to another; and, it is an action, an act of compassion. So, what does mercy have to do with me, and my life with God? Hopefully, I can answer that question, and pose a couple more questions to you in an attempt to explain mercy and the grace of God.

     First, is Man commanded to show mercy? Again, the answer is yes. I will again explain what mercy is later, but in Luke. 6:36 Christ states, "Be ye herefore merciful as your Father is also merciful." Here we have a direct commandment to show mercy to those around us. Also, in Matthew 5:7 Christ again says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Not only are we commanded, but we are blessed if we show mercy. And, on top of that, when we show compassion to others, we benefit ourselves in the process. Proverbs 11:17 explains, "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh." If you are not merciful, however, the Father will show no mercy unto you. "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment" (James 2:13). It would certainly be unfortunate if you do not show mercy and kindness to the world around you.

     So, now that we know that we are to show this thing called mercy, what is it? And is grace the same thing? In Webster's Dictionary, Mercy is defined as a noun; an act of kindness or compassion. Grace is also defined as a noun; unmerited divine help or pardon. These two seem to be similar, but still different in one major respect...Man may only receive grace. Let me try to break this down, and show you what I am talking about.

     We are able to perform these acts of kindness or compassion, as we are commanded. Thus we are able to give mercy to one another. However, we are simply not able to give grace.

 Grace must come from someone or something divine, by definition. Now, we are not divine, nor above anyone else. Also, grace must also be given to someone who is unmerited. Our help is merited, people deserve our help, it would be sin to think otherwise. However, there is no possible way that we could be worthy of God's help. Man can give and receive mercy through acts of kindness; God can as well. However, God is the only giver of grace. Men are incapable of giving grace to other men or God. Now let us discuss the grace of God. Who receives this grace from God? First, those that humble themselves before God receive this grace. James 4:6 states that, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." And he continues to tell them to submit unto God and he will lift them up. Also, it is mentioned in I Peter 5:5. As stated earlier, Matthew 5:7 informs us that those that show mercy will obtain mercy. So, if we are compassionate and loving, we will be blessed with mercy from God. Additionally, it is given to those that fear and believe in him. Psalms 103:17 quotes, "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him." Also, it is important to understand that God does not play games. I Peter 4:10 speaks of every believer having the same gift, God distributes his grace evenly and fairly.

     What does this grace and mercy do for those who receive it? It will forgive sin. Hebrews 8:12 reads, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." God forgives our sin because he loves us, and he extends his mercy through Christ. Also this thought is mentioned in Ephesians 1:7. This is another thing that people cannot do: forgive sins committed by people against God. Thus, again, man cannot give pardon or grace.

     God's grace also teaches us how to live. Paul tells Titus, in chapter 2 verses 11 through 13, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ."

     God's grace also is sufficient for all human needs. II Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, 'my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Also, Romans 8:32, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" He does offer us all things, and he offers them through his Son, Jesus Christ.

     Lastly, it will save us. Ephesians 2:8-10 explains, "For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." It is the grace of God that saves us. Do not misinterpret this passage to mean that works are not important for salvation, James 2 states that works are important. What this means is that Christ did not decide to come to this earth because of the actions of a man or men. Instead, it was a plan that began before the creation of the universe. John 1:17, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." The important thing is that through Christ we have the grace of God available to us. And, with this grace we have the opportunity to be saved. Do not overlook the opportunity that is available. Follow Jesus, love him, and keep his commandments. This is the way to receive the grace of God, and the salvation that is available through it.

     "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Excelsior Springs Church of Christ