God has not only been gracious to us, but also merciful.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions” (Eph. 2:4–5a).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Tit. 3:5).
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (Jas. 3:17).
Mercy is the work of God. It also comes in quantities, just like grace does. The Bible describes God’s mercy as rich, great, and full.
We are to show mercy to the people we are preaching to: doubters, those in the fire, those who are caught up in sin. It must be genuine mercy, not feigned.
“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” (Jude 22–23).
There is a basic difference between grace and mercy. Grace is receiving something wonderful which we do not deserve (forgiveness of sins and everlasting life). Mercy is not receiving what we dodeserve (the lake of fire).
*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.
