Grace and mercy

https://odb.org/2026/04/13/the-power-of-grace

Ephesians 2:1–9 (NIV): 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

When Mark was pulled over by an officer for driving while intoxicated, he was afraid his college football career was over. He was sure he was going to jail. But the policeman instead dropped him off at his college. When Mark asked why, he said, “I’m giving you grace.”

Still, the young man was certain his coach would find out, and he’d lose his scholarship. So when his coach asked to see Mark after practice the next day, he was very apprehensive. Surprisingly the coach said, “I know what happened last night, but I’m giving you grace.” He then suggested that Mark consider attending church the next Sunday.

He went. And guess what the pastor talked about? The grace of Jesus in offering us salvation when we don’t deserve it. Mark got the message. That day, he trusted Jesus as Savior, and he spent the rest of his life serving Him—starting a ranch for boys who need a second chance—who need grace. (Dave Branon, Our Daily Bread 13th April 2026)

The concept of grace and mercy may sometimes be used interchangeably although strictly “mercy” in the Bible means being spared a punishment we deserve and “grace” means being given a blessing we don’t deserve. Thus salvation is a combination of both since we are supposed to be condemned because of sin but instead we are not only spared (mercy) because Jesus died for our sins, but are also bestowed with the abundant and overflowing blessings of God which we don’t deserve (grace). Mercy relieves misery or punishment and speaks of God’s compassion, while grace provides enablement or blessings and speaks of God’s favour. God is therefore both merciful and gracious to us for inviting us to be His children and be part of His Kingdom.

But the real principle behind God’s grace and mercy is that we must likewise be gracious and merciful when dealing with others. It’s however difficult to execute in real life as certain actions or omissions will result in consequences whether it is the law of the land or the rules of our employer or school (including colleges and universities). If we go through a hearing and are found guilty of wrongdoing, we will face consequence management and as any court or tribunal will allow mitigation, there will still be punishment. It is at this stage that mercy may be exercised. Instead of a harsh punishment, we may be subject to a lighter consequence. In the human context, however, grace is rarely dispensed as it is almost impossible to justify rewarding bad behaviour.

In our day to day living, on the other hand, the reality is we rarely get to exercise mercy unless we are a judge or magistrate or we sit on a tribunal. We don’t usually get involved in dispensing justice or mercy, except perhaps in dealing with our children’s behaviour or if we are a teacher in a classroom. However, it is certainly within our power to reward people who do not deserve our blessings. So we could exercise grace by blessing someone with a tip although he may not have done us any service, like a beggar on the street or a homeless person or a busker. Or even those who provide us with a service like for a RM7 Grab ride, we pay RM10 instead.

I’m always reminded by Jesus’s teaching in the Parable of the Ungrateful Servant. If we are shown mercy and grace after being forgiven of a significant debt (we escaped punishment for compounded interest and are blessed with an undeserved capital gain), we should likewise do the same for others.

Have a great week ahead, everyone! May we all experience our Heavenly Father’s abundant mercy and grace, and likewise exercise grace and mercy, as we live out our faith in dealing with issues of life!