Mercy

Mercy is to be kind or forgiving toward someone whom you could hurt or punish. I've experienced mercy many times, both giving it and receiving it. Years ago, a professor could have been harsh and punitive, and instead was merciful. Once upon a time a young guy drove his car through the fence around our yard, and I could have been mean and punitive, and instead I was merciful. We're always in danger of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time by something -- the system, an illness, a thief, a tornado, an accident. We can each use some mercy at some time. What helps me practice mercy is believing that mercy does more for fostering healing and growth than harshness and what's called punishment, which is usually revenge and not punishment, and remembering how much I have appreciated receiving mercy. Also, I feel better being merciful than being harsh or punitive.