Mercy. It's such a beautiful word. We all love to receive it, but when it comes to showing mercy—especially when we’ve been wronged—it’s not always so easy. I’ve often heard people say things like, “I would never forgive [insert name here]. They deserve to suffer for what they’ve done to me.” Honestly, hearing that breaks my heart.
But let me ask you this: Have you ever wronged someone? Maybe you’ve made a mistake, hurt someone’s feelings, or acted out of character. And, in return, have you ever experienced the power of someone’s mercy toward you? On the flip side, have you ever withheld mercy from someone who was asking for forgiveness? Trust me, the weight of that choice can be heavy for both people involved.
Why is Mercy So Hard to Show?
We often think of mercy as a sign of weakness—“If I forgive them, it means I’m letting them off the hook.” But here's the truth: Showing mercy isn’t a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It takes more courage to forgive than to hold onto anger or bitterness. In fact, when we withhold mercy, it’s like we’re carrying around a heavy burden—one that we’re only making harder for ourselves. Bitterness can creep in and take root, weighing down our hearts and minds. It doesn’t just harm the person we're mad at—it harms us too.
Mercy is a reflection of who we are, not of our situation. We can’t always control how others act or how they treat us. But we do have control over how we respond. That’s where true growth happens. Our reactions are a mirror of our character and our heart.
Showing Mercy: A Way to Heal, Not to Harm
A few weeks ago, I was speaking to a group of teen girls about character and the topic of kindness came up. One girl asked, “When someone is mean or rude to us, why not be rude right back?
I shared a few personal stories with them and this was the key takeaway:
You never know what someone else might be going through.
People who are struggling on the inside often lash out in ways that hurt others. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a reality. When we respond with kindness instead of anger, we become a glimmer of light in someone else’s dark day. It might be the one thing that changes their entire perspective, or even their life.
No one can make you angry or upset. You allow it. It’s all about what you choose to let affect you. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done—I know. My dad used to joke, “Listen to what I say, not what I do.” And trust me, I’ve had my moments of weakness too.
The Power of Forgiveness: A Life-Changing Choice
Let’s take a moment to reflect. Think about a time when you were in desperate need of forgiveness, but you weren’t given it. How did that feel? The sting of rejection, the bitterness that follows. Now, think about a time when you felt you didn’t deserve forgiveness, but someone showed you mercy anyway. What did that do for you? How did it change you?
The power of mercy isn’t just in the action itself—it’s in the way it changes us, the way it transforms our hearts. It gives us the chance to heal, to grow, and to learn from our mistakes. It doesn’t erase the past, but it creates space for a future without the weight of anger.
The next time you have the opportunity to show mercy, I hope you’ll pause and remember these two stories. Remember what you felt when you were shown mercy. Remember the healing that followed. Then, think about how much power you have in that moment—to build someone up or tear them down with your words and actions.
Mercy can be hard to give, but it can also be the most beautiful gift you ever offer. It’s a choice, and it’s one that has the power to change lives—starting with your own.
What will you choose today? Mercy or bitterness? You have the power to make that decision. Choose Wisely
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