5 Beautiful Truths About God's Grace and Mercy

Writer

Updated December 17, 2024

God’s grace and mercy are always available to us, but we often struggle to receive them fully in our daily lives. Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve—His unearned favor, blessings, and strength. Mercy, on the other hand, is God withholding what we do deserve—His judgment and punishment. Though different, they work together to reflect God’s deep love for us, even when we fall short.

No one is perfect; we all stumble and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Mistakes happen, but through His grace and mercy, God invites us to get up, learn, grow, and draw closer to Him. Instead of condemning us, He strengthens us to move forward.

Yet, so often, we’re our own harshest critics. We hold ourselves to unrealistic expectations, beat ourselves up over failures, and try to handle everything on our own strength. We forget that God’s grace is not something we earn—it’s a free and precious gift. His mercy reminds us that He is patient, loving, and always ready to lift us when we fall.

If you’ve been overly critical of yourself or struggling to accept God’s amazing grace and mercy, here are five uplifting reasons to receive them fully today:

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1. God’s Grace Is a Free Gift

You don’t have to earn, work for, or buy God’s grace. It is a free gift given to each believer. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9).

God’s grace is given from God’s love for us, and reassures us that we are not alone. God’s grace empowers and encourages us to start each day fresh and put the past behind us. Despite the varying seasons and challenges that we will face, God’s grace continues to cover, guide, and lead us each day.

That is great news! When we are discouraged or needing encouragement to move forward, we can receive God’s grace to remain uplifted and be reminded that He is with us. Today, I invite you to give thanks and praise to God for His grace that is a free gift for you.

2. God’s Grace Is Sufficient

Another uplifting reason to receive God’s grace is because it is sufficient for you, and it never runs out. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9). There is nothing that we can do or have done that exempts us from God’s grace. It carries us and sustains us when we are weak and feel overwhelmed.

Let God’s grace cover you when you need new strength and direction for your spirit. Allow God’s sufficient grace to fill in the gaps when your human strength is depleted or needing restoration. Receive God’s grace as the best free gift you have ever received. You don’t have to ever wonder if this will be available, because it is always more than enough. God’s sufficient grace covers all of our inadequacies, shortcomings, flaws, and sin. Continue to walk in God’s abundant and amazing grace today.

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3. God’s Mercy Allows Us to Move Forward

Despite our past shortcomings, God’s mercy covers us and gives us strength to move forward. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). When we feel like we want to quit, God’s mercy empowers us to keep going with new energy, vigor, and purpose.

God’s mercy propels us to start again tomorrow and don’t look back. Each new day that God allows us to wake up is a new opportunity to try again and trust Him more. Our circumstances may not immediately change, but God’s mercy allows us to shift our perspective and trust in His direction.

If we make a wrong turn or need to be re-directed, God’s mercy invites us to do so with no condemnation. As you move forward each day, I invite you to allow God’s mercy to guide and direct you forward as you trust in Him.

4. God’s Mercy Is Calming

In addition to God’s mercy moving us forward, God’s mercy is calming and available to you. Say it aloud: “I receive God’s mercy today.” This daily affirmation is essential for you to not only say, but fully believe.

I have learned that receiving mercy doesn’t mean there is no struggle. God’s mercy will cover and keep you even in the midst of life’s challenges. When I have felt anxious or overwhelmed from a situation or challenge before me, God’s mercy has uplifted me and shifted my perspective. My circumstance may not immediately change, but my outlook and response will.

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy” (Micah 7:18).

You can choose. Receive God’s mercy, or live with constant anxiety. God’s mercy will calm you when you are frantic. God’s mercy will direct you when you feel lost. I invite you to receive this today.

5. God’s Grace and Mercy Helps You to Forgive Yourself

God’s grace and mercy allows us to forgive ourselves and walk in God’s victory. However, it is not always easy. It is a daily decision to receive God’s grace and mercy as we engage in daily life with joys and challenges. Christ’s death has forgiven us of our sins, but we don’t always extend that same grace to ourselves and others.

What are some practical ways that we can forgive ourselves and receive God’s grace? Each day we can celebrate our blessings and things that are going well. Meditate on Scripture that reminds us that we are already forgiven from God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Encourage yourself and write or say positive affirmations to help combat negative self-talk.

Don’t retreat away from Him, but draw closer to God. He desires to show you that He is your loving Father who can help you change.

Due to His great love for you, God teaches, shepherds, and directs you with loving kindness, patience, and grace. In order to move forward and trust that God is in control, it is important to forgive yourself first. Each new day provides a new opportunity for you to start again, having learned from the lessons of yesterday. This transformed way of thinking will help free you from the bondage of your past mistakes.

There are many reasons to continue to receive God’s grace and mercy each day. I invite you to move forward with assurance, boldness, and courage, giving yourself grace and receiving the free gift of God’s grace and mercy that is available to you.

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Kirstyn Mayden is an author, certified ministry coach, and speaker whose mission is to help women in ministry recover from burnout. She is a wife and mom who loves Jesus with all her heart. For the last 20 years, Kirstyn has served in several ministry roles serving with children, youth, and women. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry in West Virginia. She is the author of Merciful Moments: A Devotional Journal for Moving Forward with Grace Each Day and Merciful Moments Activity Guide. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Connect with Kirstyn at www.kirstynmayden.com.