Grace and Mercy

 Grace and Mercy

They are almost always found together but are not of the same meaning.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary:
Grace: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.
Mercy: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion;compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power;lenient or compassionate treatment.
Mercy is God withholding the punishment that we rightly deeserve. Grace is God not only withholding that punishment but, offering the most precious of gifts instead.
Examples:
Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isacc.
Grace provides a ram in the thicket.
Mercy runs to forgive the prodigal son.
Grace throws a party with every extravagance.
Mercy bandages the wounds of the man beaten by robbers.
Grace covers the cost of his full recovery.
Mercy hears the cry of the thief on the cross.
Grace promises paradise that very day.
Mercy pays the penalty for our sins at the cross.
Grace substitutes the righteousness of Christ for our wickedness.
Mercy converts Paul on the road to Damascus.
Grace calls him to be an apostle.
Mercy closes the door to hell.
Grace opens the door to heaven.
Mercy withholds what we have earned.
Grace provides blessings we have not earned.
There should always be one with the other. It is possible for both grace and mercy to stand on their own but, it is heavenly when they work simultaneously together.
Are you in need of grace and mercy today.... Our Heavenly Father is waiting to give these free gifts to you just as soon as you ask.
Do you know someone who needs grace and mercy from you today? If God our Father has not withheld these things from us, isn't it about time we start following His lead and freely giving these gifts to others in need of them?