Our messy world would be in better shape if we prioritized mercy. I don’t mean we should replace justice with mercy, but that mercy must always be present. In other words, we must always be compassionate and understanding of opponents and those in distress.
Abraham Lincoln had this to say:
“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”
To experience and share these “richer fruits” of mercy we first must take some preliminary steps. We need to acknowledge our own faults and failures and admit the ways we hurt God and others, even when we didn’t fully recognize it at the time. After we repent and commit to doing better, we must be merciful and forgive ourselves for our sins and missteps.
Failure to forgive ourselves suggests we do not really trust God. We let our own judgement of unworthiness take precedence over his unconditional mercy and forgiveness. When we cannot forgive ourselves, we suffer guilt and block full reception of God’s great love and healing mercy. Humbly forgiving ourselves softens our hearts and makes it easier to extend mercy to others.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matt. 5:7
When we show mercy to others, God will have mercy on us. And our mercy may become a source of healing and rehabilitation for others.
Mercy is a gift that keeps on giving!
How does justice fit in? God spoke to Zechariah( 7:9) about our need for “true justice:”
“And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’”
These words are good advice not just for those in authority. We are all called to be compassionate and merciful to others, even when it is challenge and confusing. Think of a particularly divisive issue in our society, one you really care about, and visualize someone on the “other side” of that issue. Is that person an opponent? Do you feel compassion towards him or do you feel anger because he is so wrong and opinionated? How do you react to your own judgmentalism about this fellow child of God? We need mercy in abundance during these times—for others and ourselves.
What specific steps can we take to advance true justice and mercy—and in this way promote peace in ourselves and our world?
The answers are different for each of us, but I know Centering Prayer and writing are helping me move in this direction.
SUGGESTIONS:
1. Read Broken, a guest blog I wrote that references Stevenson’s Just Mercy, A Story of Justice and Redemption. Many offenders are broken and wounded people. Let us pray for God’s grace that we be wise and merciful as we seek justice.
2. Self-compassion can be hard for some of us. Maybe we were taught that taking care of ourselves is selfish, or that we not worthy of compassion, or that we must be “fine,” in spite of our pain. Here are some resources on self compassion. Never hesitate to seek help if you are hurting and feel stuck.
3. Do you believe each of us can do something to make the world a better place? If your answer is yes, like mine is, what are you called to do? If your answer is no, please give prayer a chance.
ADDENDUM, October 15, 2023:
I wrote this blog before the current war in the Holy Land started on Oct. 7, 2023, and now want to add a few thoughts. First, I condemn the cruel terrorist actions of Hamas. Second, this war cannot be looked at as a new war but part of a very long, deep, and painful struggle between two peoples. I’m no historian, but I believe to have peace both mercy and justice are required—and they have been in short supply. Finally, I offer my deepest prayers, sympathy, and support for all the Jewish and Palestinian people who are suffering. I cry for the people and the Holy Land. Donna
EXTRA:
If you are interested in Centering Prayer and live in my area (Prince George County, Maryland) , please join me & Pastor Phil Curran as we start a new interdenominational Centering Prayer Group. The first meeting will be a Q and A, to be held twice during the week of Nov. 13, 2023— at St. Marks Catholic Church in Hyattsville, MD, and University Park Church of the Brethren. Email me for information at dc@serenityandhealth.com.
Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, her podcast/vlog series Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body, and Spirit, and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021), a recent best-seller on Amazon, 2022 Illumination Awards Gold Medal Winner, 2022 Reader Views Literary Award Gold Medal Winner, and 2022 Catholic Media Association First Place Awards.
It is not crazy to sit in silence doing nothing. Wise and holy men and women have always done it.