There are two aspects of God’s attitudes and character that make it possible for us to have a relationship with Him. Both of them deal with the issue of what we DESERVE. These two God-attitudes-and-character traits are grace and mercy. Without them, none of us would be able to escape the penalties of all the bad things we have done and all the good things we didn’t do. We don’t DESERVE all the wonderful things God is providing us; but, that is what His GRACE is all about. We DO DESERVE to be punished for all the bad we have done and all the good we haven’t done; but, that is what His MERCY is all about.

Grace and mercy are ACTIONS; God didn’t just feel gracious and merciful. He didn’t just wish things were better for us. He didn’t just offer His sympathy and try to help us feel better. Rom 5:8 (NIV) But God DEMONSTRATES His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ DIED for us. That is different than God just feeling sorry for us; He got involved! That is the way we are when we are merciful to others. We literally forgive them for something they don’t DESERVE being forgiven for. Jesus said in Luke 6:27-28 (NIV): “But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. This kind of FAITH-ACTION takes A LOT of the power of God. But, Blessed are the MERCIFUL, for they will be shown mercy.

Mat 18:23 (NIV) Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. Mat 18:24-27 (NIV) As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

Mat 18:28-30 (NIV) But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

Mat 18:31-34 (NIV) When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had MERCY on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

Mat 18:35 (NIV) This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your HEART.

In our praying the Lord’s prayer, we say this: Mat 6:12 (NIV) Forgive us our debts, AS we also have forgiven our debtors. What you are saying when you pray this is, use the same type of forgiveness on me that I use on others. That means we all need to be sure we use God’s power-forgiveness as He brings each issue of unforgiveness into our memory. After The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV): “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” But, we can’t just forgive people; we have to give them grace and mercy. In our relationship with them, we need Jesus’ power to give them things they don’t deserve (grace). And, we must not punish them for things they do deserve (mercy).

James 2:15-16 (NIV) Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? We might make sure they deserve our help; we might wonder why they don’t have clothes and food in the first place. We might think about how hard WE had to work to earn the supplies we are giving to them FOR FREE. But, we take action and put our mercy into play by helping those who actually don’t deserve our help.

Mat 7:6 (NIV) Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. In Jesus taking us into grace and mercy, we always need to understand that there are people who take advantage of them. They can turn the grace and mercy in your life into making you a slave to them. Jesus teaches us a win/win lifestyle.

Mat 10:23 (NIV) When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. If people aren’t receptive to you, your life, and your message, and your grace and mercy, get away from them and find those who want what you have. 2 Th 3:2 (NIV) And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. Grace and mercy are to be provided to everyone you come in contact with and who come into contact with you. BUT, if you are faced with an evil person, adminster grace and mercy, then get away from them as fast as you can.