Have you ever been the recipient of unearned or undeserved mercy? There’s no feeling quite like it. Accepting mercy requires humility — an acknowledgement of someone’s gracious forgiveness when punishment or retribution seems inevitable.
We often equate justice with making people “pay” for their wrongs. Inflicting pain or punishment in return for harm done gives us a sense that balance is being restored. It satisfies our innate desire for fairness, but mercy disrupts this cycle. It asks us to lay down our need for revenge and respond with compassion instead.
God knows how many times I’ve been mercifully forgiven for the wrongs I’ve done. When our actions hurt or betray others — leaving them feeling disappointed, disregarded, or broken — it is our duty to apologise and seek forgiveness. Yet, the decision to extend mercy ultimately rests with the person we’ve wronged. It’s no surprise that seeking revenge feels like the natural response to injustice.
In our interactions with friends, family, or colleagues, mistakes are inevitable. Acknowledging that our words and actions have the power to harm is the first step in taking responsibility for them. Reflecting on my younger years, I am painfully aware of how often I hurt others — sometimes consciously, but often without even realising it.
In those days, I was brazen and arrogant. Selfishness and a relentless drive for personal success blinded me to the impact I had on others. Whether it was being inconsiderate, breaking someone’s heart, or prioritising my own ambitions over their feelings, I left a trail of hurt behind me. At the time, I barely recognised the grace extended to me when people forgave my wrongs.
It wasn’t until my second half of life that I began to see how undeserved mercy had shaped me. Being spared humiliation or scorn when I deserved it, taught me humility and gratitude — qualities I had once sorely lacked.
Recently, I found myself in a situation that brought the lessons of mercy into sharp focus. One of my most trusted employees confessed to dishonesty after I had spent over a year trying to uncover the source of an ongoing issue. Their admission left me reeling. My immediate reaction was anger. I wanted justice. I wanted them to feel the consequences of their actions.
But as I prayed and reflected over the following days, my perspective shifted. This was a young person, someone whose entire future could be derailed by one mistake. Then, I remembered the countless times mercy had been shown to me. Without those acts of forgiveness, I might still be weighed down by the guilt and shame of my past actions.
Mercy is a gift that frees both the giver and the receiver. For the one who extends it, mercy restores balance and fosters healing. For the recipient, it opens the door to humility and gratitude.
When I think of those who have wronged me in the past, I realise I no longer carry animosity or a desire for revenge. Each painful memory has been transformed through forgiveness into something that no longer hurts. Jesus taught us to love our enemies. Offering mercy to someone who has done us wrong doesn’t just heal old wounds — it restores the equilibrium of our lives.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to be generous! 😊
As always, thanks for reading. 🙏
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