Mercy and Grace of God, by Deacon Wole Bodunde
For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion, so then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:15-16. ‘But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life – Titus 3:4-7
In my last article, I wrote about Law and Grace of God. This article will consider the relationship and difference between Mercy and Grace. The two are interlocking and often times, used to mean the same thing. They are closely related in meaning but are by no means synonymous. Both are divine, the desire of one leads to manifestation of the other. Grace perhaps directs us mainly to the love in God’s heart, while Mercy looks principally at the need we have.
‘Mercy is showing kindness or forgiveness towards an offender. It is revealed as personality in Psalm 23:6. Mercy is like a superb lubricant that reduces the wear and tear of our short sojourn on earth. It is that smooth oil of gracious goodwill that diminishes the rub of living and puts a shine on the daily routine – The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness’. Lamentation 3:22-23.
Grace is that attribute which God and godly people put into action in even the worst situations. It is commonly referred to as ‘unmerited favour’; it is the power of overcoming evil with God. Probably if you ask any born again Christian, what ‘grace’ means, perhaps his response would be – I was lost and Jesus found me. I was in darkness before Jesus lit up my life. I was drowning in the sea of worldliness and Jesus saves me. I was dead to sin before Jesus gave me eternal life. I was a hell bound sinner but Jesus made me a heaven bound saint. I didn’t deserve any of these things but Jesus gave them all to me because He loves me. Of course this is what grace is all about. ‘By grace ye are saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast’ – Eph.2:8-9.
‘Grace is not simply a kindly feeling on the part of God, but a positive gain conferred on man. Grace is a real and active force…illuminating the intellect, warming the heart, strengthening the will of redeemed humanity’. – Liddon’s University sermon.
Like I said, Mercy and Grace are relatives, both flows from God’s throne of grace, where one may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. We can now say that Mercy came first sparing us from judgement, then grace gives what is needed to change the bad condition which deserves judgement in the first place. Let me use the story of prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24 to illustrate the two.
The prodigal son collected his inheritance from his father and went into a far country out of the sight of his father. He was in hurry to enjoy now, what was meant for the future. He was perhaps considered to be dead. His act in the first place was condemnable because he collected the inheritance by force. Of course he deserved death but he thought of going back to his father. His father showed mercy, forgiveness by running to meet and embrace him. Any thought of judgement was overruled by mercy. The father knew his son had to be cleaned up; he couldn’t just enter the house wearing worn out clothes and smelling like pig. So grace came in – ‘Bring him the best robe, and a ring and shoes. Mercy open the door and grace made the son fit to walk through.
Mercy and Grace cannot be enjoyed fully on the platter of gold. Though it is possible for unbelievers to have the crumbs of God’s mercy, even the providence takes care of that. For someone to enjoy full mercy and grace, such person must be a proper child of God, having identified his sin like the prodigal son, and come back to the father for right placement.
What does mercy do in man’s life?
When God showers His mercy on any man, such a man will suddenly be acutely aware that he is entering into a brand new dimension of living – this new life of God’s own presence and power being made real, evident and potent in such life. Such a man will know assuredly that God is very, very much alive, at work and active in his affairs. The entire life will be invaded, enfolded, filled with His overwhelming love, His serenity of spirit, and His goodwill. His coming dispels doubts, His presence brings blessed peace, His power and purposes within such soul and spirit diminishes fears – giving some directions to the day’s activities – the essence of Him being the Shepherd.
What to do to obtain Mercy and Grace
In obtaining mercy, you need to get to know God first-hand, in person, and privately. You need to desire and ask for it knowing fully well that God will show it to whom He will. You need also to rightly position yourself and imbibe praising Him always.
The secret of continuous grace on the other hand is to live and walk in the spirit, be patient in hope, continue in Christ and faith.
May God shower His Mercy and Grace on us.
Remain blessed, Maranatha