So often I find myself thanking God for His mercy and grace, paired together as I express my gratitude for both. Mercy and grace are similar in that they’re both loving manifestations, but they are different.

Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “Grace is receiving what you don’t deserve, mercy is not receiving what you do.” This is grammatically and spiritually accurate, and the two often function in tandem.

But, when I dig into each individually, I find greater appreciation for both. I asked Father what the difference was, most basically. The impression received: Mercy is compassion. Grace is action.

So, let’s play that out. Someone close to you hurts you, and you have recourse. You’ve processed the situation, and in faith, you decide to forgive. Cool. So, rather than responding in-kind, you opt to follow scripture and turn the other cheek (Matt 5:39). But, we’re not called to simply not respond, seemingly indifferent. We’re called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Hear that? Not just forgive: OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.

We demonstrate mercy when we don’t retaliate, taking none of the recourse we have every “right” to exercise. This is turning the other cheek.

If we, in forgiveness, opt to also continue to be in relationship with them, demonstrating continued love and kindness…that’s grace.

Our Father and Jesus have forgiven us…of everything. Ev.er.y.thing. Mercy and grace perfectly paired. We aren’t punished eternally, which we arguable deserve. He POURS His grace into us daily, down to each breath we take. And, as we strive to be like Christ, we extend love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace too. It’s where we find our fullness; our joy.

And hey, we don’t do it to pour coals borne of spite. We pour out our love and gratitude to honor Him, even if someone doesn’t respond the way we’d like. If you’re having a hard time letting go, or there’s any remaining question on if you should go round-for-round, I’ll share this reminder. Even if someone remains unkind, there’s personal benefit in maintaining His loving response:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. -Proverbs 25: 21-22