Grace and Mercy: The Difference?
“The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”
Romans 5:20
How would you communicate to a child spiritual truths like justice, mercy, and grace? They are heavy-duty principles even for an adult! But they are also the key distinctives of our salvation.
Picture this…Little Joe was caught by his father in some mischief. His dad said, “Son, the just punishment is that you are grounded for ten days, don’t you think?” Little Joe sheepishly nodded. So justice was dealt, beginning with one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight days of grounding, no friends, no watching TV, no playing games. But on day nine, his dad lifted his punishment. Little Joe sniffed back his tears and then asked, “Why only eight days?”
Dad smiled and said, “That, my son, is what you call mercy—eight days when you deserve ten.” His dad then said, “How about going for ice cream with me? I’ll pay.”
That little boy bounded out the door, savoring his freedom. He could barely believe his father’s kindness. “But Dad,” he said, “don’t I deserve to be grounded?”
“Yes, Joe, you do. But this is what you call grace. You deserved the full punishment. Mercifully, I gave you only eight days of grounding. But ice cream? That’s free. That’s what grace is all about.”
Great story, huh? We deserve hell. In mercy God spares us and lightens our load of trials on earth. And grace? He gives that freely each day, through multiple blessings as well as the promise of heaven. It’s like…well, like ice cream.
In what ways has God shown you mercy recently, letting you off with a lighter sentence than you deserved? How has he shown you grace, giving you good things based on no merit of your own?
A grateful heart, God, seems the only appropriate response to the way you have generously dealt with me. I am your happy child, and a grateful heart is what I bring to you now.
The Power of Hospitality: Finding Healing and Wholeness in Community
In today’s churches, people—especially those living with disabilities—often feel lonely, isolated, and unknown. Rosaria urges Christians to practice hospitality, community, and inclusion, embracing the healing and wholeness that God intends for the church and each of his children.
