"We should draw near to the throne of grace with confidence. The confidence is not in our own ability to be merciful and kind, but in God’s ability to develop fruit in our lives. Our confidence is in our position as the redeemed children of God." Kathy Spampinato

Grace and mercy are qualities that we are often lacking. Although these words may not be uppermost in our thoughts, circumstances arise where they are desperately needed. We call out for grace to triumph over a difficult situation or a difficult emotion. We are challenged to come up with positive coping skills that we do not currently have. We need to dig deep and seek understanding. At other times we are in need of grace to give to others in trouble. Our flesh may want to respond with anger, accusation, and retribution. The person may not deserve the grace offered because of their actions, but their heart cries out for mercy.

Let’s look at some definitions to clarify what we’re talking about.

·      Mercy: Compassionate treatment of those in distress.

·      A blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.

·      Leniency, clemency, mercifulness, charity.

·      Compassion shown especially to an offender or one who is subject to your power to punish. Ex: Imprisonment rather than death imposed as a penalty.

·      Grace: a virtue coming from God; unmerited divine assistance.

·      A state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance.

·      An act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.

·      A temporary exemption or reprieve.

·      The quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.

 There is a distinction between these words. Mercy implies not getting the treatment or punishment that you deserve. Grace is an empowerment by God to receive virtue for a difficult situation. It could be the power to offer kindness or help to another whether they “deserve it” or not. Mercy is not getting what you deserve, but grace is receiving the kindness you need, but have not earned in your own strength. I am struck by some verses in Hebrews that shed light on grace and mercy. They reveal the source of grace.

 Hebrews 4:12,16 ESV “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 Since mercy is an undeserved leniency or pardon, we realize that cannot earn it by our perseverance or determination. The mercy we receive from God is a gift. It is a leniency and forgiveness offered out of the love of God. This should evoke a gratefulness that also touches our relationships with others. If we are undeserving ourselves, how is it that we hold others more accountable and want to punish them for each mistake? The mercy we have received compels us to offer grace to others, but we do not have it to give. The source of the compassion and understanding we seek is the “throne of grace”. We should draw near to the throne of grace with confidence. The confidence is not in our own ability to be merciful and kind, but in God’s ability to develop fruit in our lives. Our confidence is in our position as the redeemed children of God. I also like how this verse tells us that at the throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace. Finding grace implies that we must seek it and pursue it. It is not automatic. Let’s take another look at verse 16, from The Passion Translation

 Hebrews 4:26 TPT “So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.

 Galatians 5:1,5,13, 22 “For freedom Christ has set us free; and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

 Hebrews 7:22,24-25 “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. …but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

 Jesus Himself, lives to make intercession for you always! He is there to strengthen and guide you as He offers you mercy and grace. Turn to Him today!