Did you know that Isaac Asimov’s Book of Facts says that after the Civil War, Jefferson Davis was captured and indicted for treason? Northerners wanted Davis to be executed, but one group petitioned for his release: former slaves from Davis’ cotton plantation! After a two-year imprisonment, Davis was freed and avoided a trial.
What a great example of grace and mercy on the part of Davis's former slaves. If we're looking at definitions, grace is receiving something beneficial that we don’t deserve, and mercy is not receiving negative consequence for what we do deserve. The freed slaves demonstrated the same kind of grace and mercy that God gives to us through Jesus--and the same that we we extend to others.
As Christians, we talk a lot about mercy and grace, but we show whether or not we really understand mercy and grace through our lives. When we extend God's mercy and grace, we forgive as he has forgiven us--and I can testify that's better and healthier for everyone!
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