Grace and Mercy

Driving home from southern California we planned to drive up the coast, see all the beautiful sites, but most of the way was frustrating and irritating.  We hit traffic, not just because of everyday traffic issues, but because of people making bad decisions.  And then you have the gawkers.  Those that have to stop to stare at everything everyone else is doing.  

Grace and Mercy came to mind.  What I really wanted to do was scream out the window, honk my horn, and throw a fit.  Well, the last one, I kind of did in my head and at times out loud to Shaun.

¹grace

 noun \ˈgrās\

: a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward

: a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving

graces : skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations

Full Definition of GRACE

1a :  unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b :  a virtue coming from God

c :  a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

mercy

 noun mer·cy \ˈmər-sē\

: kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly

: kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation

: a good or lucky fact or situation

plural mercies

Full Definition of MERCY

1a :  compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power;also :  lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy>

b :  imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder

2a :  a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion

b :  a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze>

3:  compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>

With Relationships, We need to keep these two things on the forefront of our minds and hearts.  We all crave to have mercy and grace shown to us but feel justified when we get hurt to not show these to others.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalm 145:9  The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

In these days of busyness of life, the devil sure likes to make us get frustrated and mad at each other. He likes to see the differences divide us and take us out of the Lords work.  We have to keep these things in mind in order to keep going forward for the cause of Christ.

It is our choice to give grace and mercy, even if that person doesn't deserve it.  We did nothing to deserve God's love.  He proved His love on the cross for us and gave us grace and mercy.  We need to extend those to others even if they don't ask for it.