Do you know the difference between mercy and grace? Pastor Tim McConnell at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs, shared the accepted succinct definitions on May 11, 2025:

Mercy is not getting what you deserve.

Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Then Tim shared some excellent Biblical pictures that he attributed to David Jeremiah. Too good not to share:

• Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isaac. Grace provides the ram in the thicket. (Genesis 22.9 – 14)
• Mercy runs to forgive the prodigal. Grace throws a party with a robe, a ring, and a fatted calf. (Luke 15.17 – 24)
• Mercy hears the cry of the thief on the cross. Grace promises paradise that very day. (Luke 23.39 – 43. See also this blog.)
• Mercy converts Paul on the road to Damascus. Grace calls him to be the great apostle. (Acts 9.1 – 5)
• Mercy closes the door to hell. Grace opens the door to heaven.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22.17, ESV)