Years ago we had a lady in our church who answered the common greeting, “How are you doing?” with a rather serious, “Better than I deserve.” While it left the greeter with a “Where do I go from here?” sort of feeling, I learned to appreciate her intention. It was true; I certainly had done nothing to merit the multitude of little things that made even a mundane life, something for which to give thanks. And it was not just the necessary provisions that warranted my thanksgiving, but the many hurts and hardships that I had been spared, as well. God is certainly good to me—better than I deserve.
The Bible has words for these treasures: Receiving blessings that we do not deserve is called “Grace.” Not facing the harsh consequences that our deeds so justly deserve, is called Mercy.” God is responsible for both, and often throws in an unexplainable “Peace” for good measure.
His peace is freedom from disturbance of mind, even when circumstances dictate otherwise. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7).” Peace with God, and the peace of God, is what makes a good day good.
God’s mercy is experienced when we do something death defying and don’t get killed, or when we are lazy and still have food to eat, and money to pay the bills. If it were not for God’s mercy, none of us would be here today. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
His grace, though especially evident in the lives of those who know Him personally, is experienced, to some degree, by every human being—common grace. e.g. The sun rises every day, it rains on our crops, we have pure water, our hearts beat steadily for decades, etc. But without a doubt, the greatest evidence of God’s grace is Jesus Christ, who died to pay the penalty for our sins. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Titus 2:11).” God’s grace will save all who trust in Jesus for forgiveness!