What is Grace?
Religion has always played a role in the lives of humanity. For some, it is the center of their lives while others may not give it much thought. No matter the level of involvement, religion has shaped the lives of humans in many ways.
One way religion has done this is by teaching people about grace. Grace is defined as God’s free and unmerited favor, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. In other words, grace is getting what we do not deserve.
Grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. In other words, it is a gift we do not deserve and cannot earn. It is also important to note that grace is not just a one-time event. It is a continuing relationship that God has with us.
Many different religions use the theological concept of divine grace. According to Merriam-Webster, grace is “the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.” It has been described as an individual virtue or quality of divine origin.
In other words, it is a gift that we do not deserve, as well as the religious influence that works in humans to regenerate and sanctify, inspire virtuous impulses, and give the courage to withstand trial and fight temptation. It is not something we can earn – it is something given to us out of God’s good favor. Grace is the unmerited favor of God.
It is not a created thing; it is part of God’s divine nature. It is His gift of salvation to humankind. It is a religious influence upon the heart and results in the good works God has ordained in which we should walk.
What is Mercy?
Mercy is defined as not getting the punishment that we deserve. It is also known as kindness or compassion shown to someone vulnerable or in danger. Mercy is called God’s heart and love for His people.
It is also His willingness to forgive our sins and to show us grace. It is also described as not punishing someone who has committed a crime or offence. Grace is the unmerited favor of God that leads to His mercy shown to us.
It is also His enablement or empowerment for us to do good works. It is a gift that we cannot earn and is part of God’s divine nature. Mercy, on the other hand, is not getting what we deserve.
“Mercy” can be characterized as “a blessing that is an act of heavenly favor or compassion,” as well as “compassion or forbearance extended especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power.” An “at someone’s mercy” is said to be “without protection against someone.”
Many religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, embrace the idea of a benevolent God. Through deeds like the giving of alms, caring for the ill, and Works of Charity, religious convictions are also highlighted through the performance of acts of mercy.
Difference Between Grace and Mercy
The concept of divine mercy is connected to the concept of grace. Grace and mercy are thought of as the same concept and the definitions of each word are similar, but there is a difference between grace and mercy.
Grace is defined as God’s free and unmerited favor, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. In other words, grace is getting what we do not deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve, whereas grace is receiving what you do not deserve.
While both grace and mercy are gifts from God, mercy is compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power, while grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
Comparison Between Grace and Mercy
| Parameter of Comparison | Grace | Mercy |
| Deserve | Getting the favor, we do not deserve | Not getting punishment we do deserve |
| Differences | Gratitude | Advocacy |
| Type | Resilience | Assistance |
| Presence | Aspiration | Finances |
| Empathy | Courage | Spiritual |