ABOUT DIVINE GRACE AND DIVINE MERCY

“God is inherently kind, naturally compassionate, and everlastingly merciful. And never is it necessary that any influence be brought to bear upon the Father to call forth his loving-kindness. The creature's need is wholly sufficient to insure the full flow of the Father's tender mercies and his saving grace. Since God knows all about his children, it is easy for him to forgive. The better man understands his neighbor, the easier it will be to forgive him, even to love him.” [UB 2:4.2]

“What are the similarities and differences between divine grace and divine mercy? Examples?”

Divine gracehas been defined as thedivineinfluence which operates in humans to regenerate and sanctify, to inspire virtuous impulses, and to impart strength to endure trial and resist temptation; and as an individual virtue or excellence ofdivineorigin.

Thought Adjuster: “Dear one, many gifts of grace are constantly bestowed upon God’s creation. What do I mean by that? Gifts of Divine Grace are provided to many whether or not they deserve them. God does not favor anyone; yet each one of you is a key player of sorts, as you are a very necessary part in God’s vast creation. At times, the Father has to activate some key players who live unaware of their divine assignment and potentials.

“It is what takes place in sudden conversion experiences. Saul underwent a powerful and instantaneous spiritual awakening on the road to Damascus. Did he deserve it? Up to that point, he was fanatically opposing Jesus ‘followers, to the point of murdering them. That day, God turned things around by ‘gracing’ him with a conversion experience, as He well knew of his leadership potentials and the sincerity of his heart. Saul was reborn as Paul. His perception had been clouded, but his heart was sincere. God set him straight by giving him a mighty spiritual chiropractic adjustment, realigning him with his divinely ordained life’s purpose.

“You can recall a specific occasion when you felt ‘saved by Grace.’ One moment you were drowning in sorrow and despair, and the next your whole being was invaded by the quality of peace that surpasses all understanding—A divine intervention of Grace.

“A Grace period is also a respite in the midst of crushing challenges—a merciful period of remission. You have witnessed breathtaking skies where beautiful sun rays shine through a break in the clouds. They could be compared to what Grace feels like. Grace and Mercy are also related.

“What about Mercy? In a way, you could look at mercy from the ‘Before and After’ perspective. Grace steps in BEFORE—to help you resist temptation. Mercy becomes necessary AFTER you have done something for which Forgiveness is needed to set you free from the negative consequences of your actions. God does not hold anything against you, as He is the One who conceived the plan for your evolution from a lowly creature plagued with animalistic tendencies to a being of light, endowed with godlike potentials. The free-will he gave you, coupled with your spiritual ignorance and immaturity, is bound to lead you into sticky situations that will cause you to regret ‘after the fact’ your misguided decisions.

“If you genuinely repent, God will bless you with His Mercy. He will wipe the slate clean and provided you with multiple chances to pick the right answer. Mercy and Forgiveness are akin. Mercy is the precursor of Forgiveness.”