Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Mercy is when someone doesn’t get what they deserve. When we’ve sinned, screwed up, or made a mistake, we deserve punishment, yet when we are pardoned and forgiven, that’s mercy. Learning how to be an agent of mercy will transform your relationships.
One of the best ways to learn how to be an agent of mercy is to practice being intentional with it. That’s what I call premeditated mercy. Here are some things to practice:
- Build bridges with someone who doesn’t have friends or is unpopular.
- Put someone’s needs before rules, policies, or procedures.
- Be patient with someone who is annoying.
- Help someone in your circles (family, friend, colleague) who is hurting.
- Stop being bitter and angry with someone, and relinquish the desire to get even.
- Do something good to someone who hurt you.
- Do something kind to someone who offended you.
Now take a piece of 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. In the left column, write these seven things to practice. In the right column, write who you’re going to practice them on. When you wake up tomorrow, do them and repeat the exercise the next day. And the next day. And the next day.
By doing this, it will become a habit. And you will become an agent of premeditated mercy.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
F. B. Meyer
MindWolves 