Grace is getting what we don’t deserve; mercy is not getting what we do deserve. The Greek for “grace”, “charis” means: kindness, favor, “a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ”, or “kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved”
How is it difficult to believe we need grace - especially if you are someone who considers yourself to be a good person?
Ephesians 1:4-8 (NLT): 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV): 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
