When I heard this word in the whispers of spirit, the first thing that hit me was that we need more mercy in our world! The second thing that hit me was ‘What is it?’ (tee hee) Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Thus it is often associated with a person begging for mercy from another who has gained some sort of power or control in the situation. Practicing mercy might be forbearance, which is exercising compassion, patience, self-control, restraint, and tolerance.
From a biblical sense, mercy means forgiveness, and some interpret scriptures in the bible to give mercy the meaning of a quality of God called ‘steadfast loyalty’. Mercy and loyalty resonate with me, but is it loyalty to faith, to one’s core, or to that person? Mercy sets the context for many of the teachings. Mercy in some religions points to behaving ethically in relationships, with actions based in forgiveness, love, reconciliation, and truth.
There is so much conflict in our world and in relationships today, with political beliefs and the pandemic tearing families apart. We can easily look around and see betrayal, mistrust, and hurt feelings. To heal the great divide, it seems like mercy is the medicine we need. So I want to know more about practicing mercy:
Those with whom you have strong disagreements is where practicing mercy begins by opening your heart. Mercy joins people together through moments of forgiveness, both large and small. It begins with small acts of understanding that open the door to life-changing experiences of love and connection. A closed heart may seem like a protected space, but it does not allow love to enter form other, nor does it provide love an escape to find the soul in need of your forgiveness. Every soul is worthy of love, despite any perception or judgment of wrongdoing.
Bitterness is a residual energy connected to feelings of injustice that fuel revenge to perpetuate a grudge or vindictive behavior. Withholding love in any form can be the weapon of intolerance, visceral expressions, and projections of negative energy. Understanding can reveal the true nature of those willing to participate in the search for common ground and true connection. It’s easy to take a strong opposing opinion as a personal attack, but with patience and an open heart, one can pause a negative reaction long enough to hear more regarding the basis of those opinions. People often express themselves in a way that isn’t true to their character, which must be considered when practicing mercy. Bad behavior shouldn’t be tolerated or used to justify punishment or distancing yourself from those you love.
Making assumptions based on incomplete information can lead to false conclusions. Only you can write your story through the decisions you make and the life you choose to live. Would you rather be known as someone capable of showing mercy and willing to express compassion? Forgiveness is one of the most challenging expressions of the heart and the most freeing a soul can experience. Show mercy and inspire generations to care deeply and love without conditions. In mercy, you will find healing energy and fill the heart with a boundless capacity to love.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.”
― Carl Sagan
