A Sweet Example of the Difference Between Grace and Mercy

Posted on May 02, 2017 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living
Posted by : David Chadwick

Grace and mercy are two often-used Christian words. What do they mean? Why are they so important for the Christian faith?

These two words became alive for me one day when one of my sons directly disobeyed me. I had asked him to do something and he looked me in the eye and said, “I’m not going to do that.”

I didn’t often see this kind of defiance in him. I asked him again to obey me. He wouldn’t budge.

My heart was filled with a mixture of anger and confusion. I told him to go to his room and wait for me. After a few moments, I climbed the stairs as well and walked into his room. I knew what I needed to do. But I wasn’t ready for what happened next.

My son looked up to me with tears in his eyes and began begging me not to discipline him. He did not want me to give him what he knew he deserved. He knew he had disobeyed and dishonored me. He knew he deserved his punishment. But he asked me for…mercy.

My heart was deeply moved by his contrition. I did not give him what he deserved—the best definition of mercy I’ve ever heard. I took him into my arms and held his still-quivering body.

I then asked him if he knew what he had done wrong. With tears still filling his eyes, he nodded yes. He asked me to forgive him, and I gladly did.

I then carefully considered my next step. I knew I had a marvelous teaching opportunity staring me in the face. And an idea hit me.

I went into my bedroom and noticed a number of quarters on the top of my dresser. I quickly raked them into the palm of my hand and put them into the pocket of my pants.

My wife Marilynn was working in our bedroom. She casually asked me, “What are you doing?”

I told her what had just transpired. I then said to her, “I’m going to take him out for some ice cream.” She smiled and said, “That’s grace, David.”

It was grace. Not only did my son receive mercy (not receiving what he deserved), he also got grace, receiving what he didn’t deserve: ice cream.

Through the years, I’ve repeatedly used this story to help people understand the meaning of God’s rich grace and mercy that Christians have received through Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Examine with me their true meaning.

When God in Jesus took the punishment for our sins upon himself, he didn’t give us what we deserve (eternal condemnation and separation from him). What incredible mercy!

But God didn’t stop there. He continually gives us what we don’t deserve—the next beat of our hearts, the air in our lungs, the food we eat, the clothes on our back, the privilege of living on his earth, our different friends and family members, experiencing the beauty of his creation, etc. Plus, he gave us the precious, invaluable gift of eternal life—an eternal relationship with his Son, Jesus—something we don’t deserve. What amazing grace!