What is the difference between grace and mercy?

Chuck Smith's three-line definition: "Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what's coming to you. And grace is getting what's not coming to you." The publican asked for mercy, not justice: "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Read Chuck on Luke 18:13 in the reader. Chuck Smith commentary used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-13.