Mercy vs. Charity — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Mercy involves compassion and forgiveness shown towards someone whom one has the power to punish, while charity refers to voluntary giving to those in need.
Difference Between Mercy and Charity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mercy is primarily associated with forgiveness or leniency towards someone who could be otherwise punished or harmed. Whereas charity involves acts of helping or giving to those who are in need, often through financial or material support.
Mercy is typically shown by someone in a position of power, such as a judge, employer, or anyone who has authority over others. On the other hand, charity can be extended by anyone regardless of their position or power, aimed at providing aid or relief.
Mercy often applies in a context where there's a specific person or group who has done something wrong or is in a dire situation due to their actions. Charity, however, is more about general help and assistance, often not linked to the recipients' actions.
Mercy can be seen as a more interpersonal or individual-based response, motivated by compassion, pity, or forgiveness. In contrast, charity is typically more organized and may involve systematic efforts like charitable organizations or community support.
Mercy usually does not involve financial transactions; it is more about the emotional or ethical decision to withhold harshness. Conversely, charity often entails a transfer of resources, whether monetary or in-kind, to support the welfare of others.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Compassion or forgiveness towards someone liable to be punished.
Voluntary help, especially financial, to those in need.
Context
Often legal or personal.
Social, economic.
Basis
Emotional, ethical (compassion, forgiveness).
Altruistic, sometimes religious.
Key Motivation
To alleviate suffering by forgiving or being lenient.
To alleviate suffering by providing resources or support.
Typical Actions
Pardoning, forgiving, reducing penalties.
Donating money, providing food, volunteering.
Compare with Definitions
Mercy
Leniency shown by those in power.
The judge showed mercy, reducing the sentence.
Charity
An organization for helping those in need.
The charity provided meals to the homeless.
Mercy
Withholding of harsh treatment.
Mercy spared the employees during the restructuring.
Charity
An act of generosity.
His charity was apparent when he helped the stranded tourists.
Mercy
Relief from suffering.
They pleaded for mercy in their time of crisis.
Charity
Voluntary giving of help.
They donated to charity to support disaster relief efforts.
Mercy
Compassion towards wrongdoers.
He asked for mercy after admitting his mistakes.
Charity
Kindness in judging someone's actions.
She viewed his mistakes with charity.
Mercy
A chance to improve or rectify.
Mercy allowed her to rebuild her life.
Charity
A system of giving and receiving help.
Charity in the community was encouraged.
Mercy
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.
Charity
Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.
Mercy
Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm
The boy was screaming and begging for mercy
The mercies of God
Charity
Something given to help the needy; alms.
Mercy
Used in expressions of surprise or fear
‘Mercy me!’ uttered Mrs Diggory
Charity
An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.
Mercy
Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
Charity
Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.
Mercy
A disposition to be kind and forgiving
A heart full of mercy.
Charity
Indulgence or forbearance in judging others.
Mercy
Something for which to be thankful; a blessing
It was a mercy that no one was hurt.
Charity
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.
Mercy
Alleviation of distress; relief
Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy.
Charity
(countable) An organization, the objective of which is to carry out a charitable purpose.
Mercy
(uncountable) Relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another.
She took mercy on him and quit embarrassing him.
Charity
(countable) The goods or money given to those in need.
Mercy
(uncountable) Forgiveness or compassion, especially toward those less fortunate.
Have mercy on the poor and assist them if you can.
Charity
(uncountable) Benevolence to others less fortunate than ourselves; the providing of goods or money to those in need.
Mercy
(uncountable) A tendency toward forgiveness, pity, or compassion.
Mercy is one of his many virtues.
Charity
In general, an attitude of kindness and understanding towards others, now especially suggesting generosity.
Mercy
(countable) Instances of forbearance or forgiveness.
Psalms 40:11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord
Charity
Christian love; representing God's love of man, man's love of God, or man's love of his fellow-men.
Mercy
(countable) A blessing; something to be thankful for.
It was a mercy that we were not inside when the roof collapsed
Charity
Love; universal benevolence; good will.
Now abideth faith, hope, charity, three; but the greatest of these is charity.
They, at least, are little to be envied, in whose hearts the great charities . . . lie dead.
With malice towards none, with charity for all.
Mercy
(uncountable) A children's game in which two players stand opposite with hands grasped and twist each other's arms until one gives in.
Charity
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.
The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.
Mercy
To feel mercy
Charity
Liberality to the poor and the suffering, to benevolent institutions, or to worthy causes; generosity.
The heathen poet, in commending the charity of Dido to the Trojans, spake like a Christian.
Mercy
To show mercy; to pardon or treat leniently because of mercy
Charity
Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering for their relief; alms; any act of kindness.
She did ill then to refuse her a charity.
Mercy
Expressing surprise or alarm.
Mercy! Look at the state of you!
Charity
A charitable institution, or a gift to create and support such an institution; as, Lady Margaret's charity.
Mercy
Forbearance to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency.
Examples of justice must be made for terror to some; examples of mercy for comfort to others.
Charity
Eleemosynary appointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions.
The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless,Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers.
Mercy
Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate and helpless; sometimes, favor, beneficence.
Charity
A foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)
Mercy
Disposition to exercise compassion or favor; pity; compassion; willingness to spare or to help.
In whom mercy lacketh and is not founden.
Charity
A kindly and lenient attitude toward people
Mercy
A blessing regarded as a manifestation of compassion or favor.
The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Charity
An activity or gift that benefits the public at large
Mercy
Leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice;
He threw himself on the mercy of the court
Charity
Pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers
Mercy
A disposition to be kind and forgiving;
In those days a wife had to depend on the mercifulness of her husband
Charity
An institution set up to provide help to the needy
Mercy
The feeling that motivates compassion
Mercy
Something for which to be thankful;
It was a mercy we got out alive
Mercy
Alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed;
Distributing food and clothing to the flood victims was an act of mercy
Common Curiosities
Can mercy be considered a form of charity?
While both involve helping others, mercy is more about forgiveness while charity involves providing resources or support.
Who typically grants mercy?
Mercy is typically granted by someone in a position of authority, such as a judge or a manager.
What is the main emotional drive behind mercy?
The main emotional drives behind mercy are compassion and forgiveness.
How is charity organized?
Charity can be organized through foundations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, or individual acts.
How do cultural perceptions of mercy and charity differ?
Cultural perceptions can vary, but generally, mercy is seen as a personal virtue, while charity is often viewed as a communal or societal duty.
Does mercy require material contributions?
No, mercy typically does not involve material contributions but rather emotional or ethical choices.
Can organizations exhibit mercy?
Yes, organizations can exhibit mercy, for example, by enacting lenient policies towards employees or debtors.
How does charity mainly function in society?
Charity mainly functions as a means of providing support and relief to those in need through organized efforts or personal initiatives.
What are common forms of charity?
Common forms of charity include donating money, food, clothing, and volunteering time.
Is mercy only applicable in legal contexts?
No, mercy can be applicable in personal, professional, or legal contexts wherever there is scope for leniency or forgiveness.
What is the role of government in charity?
Governments can facilitate or provide charitable aid directly or by supporting various non-governmental organizations.
How do mercy and charity impact the recipient?
Mercy can change the recipient's life by providing a second chance, while charity directly aids in improving life conditions.
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Maham LiaqatCo-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.