The Bible speaks of God’s love being expressed through the many dimensions of His love; such as His grace, mercy and compassion. Grace speaks of His favor and enablement; the gift and capacity to walk in His strength. Mercy speaks of His forgiveness and covering of love, whether we deserve it or not. Compassion speaks of the largeness of His heart reaching out towards us in endless ways. God is always offering an opportunity to turn towards Him, receive His great love, and yield to His ways of grace and truth.
We don’t earn grace. It’s always available. It points to hope in God. As Paul revealed in Romans 5:1-2 all have been “justified by faith” and therefore have an opportunity to be at “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
RELEVANCE
A great example of how both work together is Noah. God was disappointed with the rampant wickedness in mankind. He grieved, but sought for a way to extend His love and preserve life. He observed Noah. Genesis 6:8-9 records how “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” He basically met with grace. God found Noah a “just” man; a simple upright man of integrity through whom He could extend His covenant and work His plan of redemption.
God’s very throne is one of loving-kindness and grace, flowing and pouring out mercy and truth. Hebrews 4:16 puts it very simply: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Paul found such grace. As a zealous persecutor of those coming to faith in Messiah Jesus, He knew he deserved death. He shared his heart on this in 1 Timothy 1:13-14: “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant…” God saw deep in his heart, beneath his own state of awareness and comprehension. He saw his ignorance and innocence, and offered greater mercy and truth. It changed his life and course of direction.
REFLECT AND RELATE
In what ways have you experienced God’s grace, as well as mercy? Are there times you have missed opportunities of grace?
His grace is available right now. If you need mercy it is also there for the asking. Ask in faith, trusting in His faithfulness. Ask Him what He might have you do. Then expect His mercy to manifest.
REFERENCES
Spend time in the following Psalms: 94-108