Mercy vs. Charity — What's the Difference?

Mercy (Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, "price paid, wages", from merc-, merxi "merchandise") is benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness in a variety of ethical, religious, social, and legal contexts. In the social and legal context, mercy may refer both to compassionate behavior on the part of those in power (e.g.

Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.

Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

Something given to help the needy; alms.

Used in expressions of surprise or fear

An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.

Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.

Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.

A disposition to be kind and forgiving

Indulgence or forbearance in judging others.

Something for which to be thankful; a blessing

Often Charity(Christianity) The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.

Alleviation of distress; relief

(countable) An organization, the objective of which is to carry out a charitable purpose.

(uncountable) Relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another.

(countable) The goods or money given to those in need.

(uncountable) Forgiveness or compassion, especially toward those less fortunate.

(uncountable) Benevolence to others less fortunate than ourselves; the providing of goods or money to those in need.

(uncountable) A tendency toward forgiveness, pity, or compassion.

In general, an attitude of kindness and understanding towards others, now especially suggesting generosity.

(countable) Instances of forbearance or forgiveness.

Christian love; representing God's love of man, man's love of God, or man's love of his fellow-men.

(countable) A blessing; something to be thankful for.

Love; universal benevolence; good will.

(uncountable) A children's game in which two players stand opposite with hands grasped and twist each other's arms until one gives in.

Liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to put the best construction on the words and actions of others.

To feel mercy

Liberality to the poor and the suffering, to benevolent institutions, or to worthy causes; generosity.

To show mercy; to pardon or treat leniently because of mercy

Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering for their relief; alms; any act of kindness.

Expressing surprise or alarm.

A charitable institution, or a gift to create and support such an institution; as, Lady Margaret's charity.

Forbearance to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency.

Eleemosynary appointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions.

Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate and helpless; sometimes, favor, beneficence.

A foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)

Disposition to exercise compassion or favor; pity; compassion; willingness to spare or to help.

A kindly and lenient attitude toward people

A blessing regarded as a manifestation of compassion or favor.

An activity or gift that benefits the public at large

Leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice;

Pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers

A disposition to be kind and forgiving;

An institution set up to provide help to the needy

The feeling that motivates compassion

Something for which to be thankful;

Alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed;