One Coin, Two Sides by David Jeremiah

One Coin, Two Sides When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Genesis 43:16 Mercy is thought of as the withholding of punishment that is deserved, while grace is the giving of a blessing or benefit that is not deserved. Hebrews 4:16 uses them both: We come before God in prayer to “obtain mercy” (to be spared from deserved judgment) and “find grace to help in time of need” (receive undeserved help). They are the two sides of the same theological coin.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:20-21

When Jacob’s sons went to Egypt, they received both grace and mercy from their brother, Joseph, who was unknown to them. He could have punished them for their sin against him, but he didn’t. Joseph was merciful. He also fed them and met their need of food for Jacob’s family—favors they didn’t deserve. Joseph was also gracious. God is both merciful and gracious to us in the same way. We also have frequent opportunities to be both merciful and gracious toward others. Let us take every opportunity to be like God: merciful and gracious (Ephesians 4:32). The habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.   J. I. Packer