Sermon Illustrations

While grace is getting what you don’t deserve, mercy is not getting what you deserve.

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son

The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death

"But I don’t ask for justice," the mother explained

"I plead for mercy."

"But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied.

"Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for."

"Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy."

And he spared the woman’s son.

God’s grace had appeared to all men and brings salvation

Aren’t you thankful for God’s grace and mercy

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