“Mercy Arises from Love vs. Ends in Grace”

 

“Mercy Arises from Love vs. Ends in Grace”

1 Peter 1:3 – “According to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again.”

Romans 11:32 – “God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.”

1 Peter 1:3 – “Born again to a living hope.” 

Aspect	Mercy Arises from Love	Ends in Grace	Related Scriptures
Meaning	Mercy flows out of God’s love—it is love moved by the sight of man’s misery and sin.	The goal of mercy is grace: not only to remove misery, but to bring us into new life and salvation.	Ephesians 2:4–8 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us… by grace you have been saved.”
Cause / Source	Because God loves us greatly, He cannot bear to see us perishing in sin—thus He shows mercy.	Because mercy has reached us, God continues His action through grace to redeem and bless us.	Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His mercy.”
Distinction	Mercy is negative, dealing with our past sin and suffering; it forgives, covers, and withholds judgment.	Grace is positive, granting new life and divine supply; it brings us into God’s rich provision.	1 Timothy 1:13 – “I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.” John 1:16 – “From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Explanation	Mercy is love in action toward our helpless state—it stoops down to our need.	Grace is mercy continued—it is God’s action to save, renew, and enrich us in Christ.	Romans 5:8 – “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” John 1:17 – “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Purpose	That sinners might have boldness to approach God; we dare to ask for mercy even when unworthy.	That we might be saved and renewed, entering the sphere of grace and divine blessing.	Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help.”
Example	The blind man cried, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”—recognizing his miserable condition.	Jesus healed him out of mercy and gave him sight—an act of grace following mercy.	Matthew 9:27–30; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:38–43 – “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
Application	When we feel unworthy or helpless, we can still cry, “Lord, have mercy on me!”—this is faith’s simplest plea.	After receiving mercy, we should step forward into grace—experiencing salvation and spiritual growth.	Jude 21 – “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Interrelation	Love → Mercy → Grace: Love is the source; mercy is love in motion; grace is mercy fulfilled.	Mercy connects love with grace; all three form one divine process of salvation.	Ephesians 2:4–8 – “Because of His great love… rich in mercy… saved by grace.”
Burden	To reveal to God’s people that mercy is not mere sentiment but divine compassion leading to redemption.	To remind believers not to stop at mercy, but to advance into grace and live by it.	Titus 3:5–7 – “By His mercy… justified by His grace.”
Prophetic Speaking Direction	Speak mercy to sinners and the weak, as Christ showed mercy to us; through mercy, lead others into grace.	Declare that God’s love produces mercy, and mercy accomplishes grace—this is His redemptive plan.	Jude 22–23 – “Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire.”
Conclusion	Mercy is the outflow of divine love—it gives us courage to draw near to God.	Grace is the completion of mercy—it brings us salvation, life, and new position in Christ.	The divine pathway: Love → Mercy → Grace → Salvation → Glory.

 

🔹 Key Summary

• Mercy begins with Love (Eph. 2:4).
• Mercy ends in Grace (Eph. 2:8).
• Mercy is the bridge between human misery and divine salvation (Heb. 4:16).
• Divine sequence: Love → Mercy → Grace → Salvation → Glory.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Part 4: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and will receive mercy.