Feb 21 2009
Have Mercy
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Although we all need to see justice prevail when we are wronged in some way, mercy and forgiveness can be a difficult task yet it is what is needed to heal. The first reaction to someone who has hurt us or angered us in some way is revenge. Revenge is born of hurt and fear. When we indulge in revenge we are choosing hate over love. When we choose hate we are hurting ourselves just as much as we hurt others if not more. There is a deep ripple effect. People make mistakes - we all do. Think about it for a minute. Whenever you make a mistake how do you feel? Do you beat yourself up inside for making the mistake? Do others make you feel terrible for making the mistake? If you feel bad and if you’ve answered yes to those questions, you need to learn how to have mercy for yourself and others. I know it’s not easy to do but it is needed in order to be happy and love yourself and others.
Here are a few suggestions
1. There are always two sides to any situation. When you seek justice seek with mercy. Understanding is the key to mercy and forgiveness.
2. Stop judging yourself and others. We all have faults and we need to learn to accept them.
3. Do not hold on to grudges. Holding on to grudges means storing that anger inside which inevitably causes stress, pain and so many other illnesses. Forgive if not for the person who hurt you, but for yourself.
4. Let go and let God. When you feel as if you cannot have mercy or forgive someone, turn it over to God, let it go and open your heart.
Great topic.
For me, the hardest person to forgive is myself.
Forgiveness doesn’t come easy to me, and I am not proud of that.
I’ve had to work hard in my recovery from addiction to let go of resentments I had held onto for years. My AA sponsor told me:
“Resentments are like eating rat poison, hoping the rat will die.”
I pray I can “Let Go and Let God” today.
Roxie
You are invited to sign the Recovery Wall
Have mercy and forgive! Let go and let God! These are two great things to remember everyday!
All sound advice. I’m struggling not to hold grudges and stop judging myself and others, but I’m getting there!
Hi Jo,
“People with the longest memories are of the poorest stock, revenge goes on forever” Ian Hunter
theargus.today.com
roxie - I know the feeling though I’ve been much better about beating myself up over things.
icybc - Yes, Let go and let God is a must for me.
Maria - Very well said. Thank you
line - It’s tough but little by little is the way to get there.
Argus - Great Quote, thanks for sharing.