I used to think of God’s mercy and grace as two separate things. Mercy saving us from the punishment we deserve and grace giving us blessings we don’t deserve. But as I study the scriptures I find that God’s grace includes His mercy toward us and much, much more.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8) “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.” (Romans 3:24) “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11) “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” (Romans 6:14)
Paul asked God three times to heal him. “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) That has become a key verse for me in my afflictions. God’s grace continues to sustain me; His power is at work through my weaknesses and, like Paul, I am glad to boast about it to anyone who will listen.
A gospel song I listen to often simply puts it, “Grace will always be greater than sin. Calvary has proven it time and again. Whatever you’ve done; wherever you’ve been; God’s grace will always be greater than sin.” Pray for those who embrace evil. Many may be beyond your prayers but some of them can still have a Saul of Tarsus kind of encounter with Jesus Christ that will turn them completely around by His grace. I leave you with this blessing from the writer