How about mercy as a New Years resolution?

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm (dictionary.com). This sounds simple enough. Most people do not want to harm anyone. Sometimes we just don’t notice that is what we are doing. Sometimes I want my way so badly I don’t realize that I have harmed someone. My smug grunt when I feel something is obviously stupid. My eye roll when I think someone has done something ridiculous. Staring at my phone in the midst of other people sending the message that they don’t matter because I have better things to do. There are truly many ways I harm people every day. It’s on my heart to be more intentional about how I treat others, to be more merciful.

How about every morning we pray that everyone we encounter will be shown God’s mercy through us. Starting with those in our own homes, including ourselves. Reaching out for God’s mercy in our hearts as we interact with friends and strangers around us. Smiling tenderly, making eye contact, and remembering that everyone is made in the image of God. Showing and or asking for God’s mercy in every situation, especially difficult ones.

Digging deeper into my faith on the topic of mercy I came across the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  What if we use this as a guide for mercy in 2019? The fourteen things Jesus teaches us to do to help our neighbors. Fourteen things in 12 months. Mercy for all those whom we come into contact with in 2019. Think of the effect!

With all the division in our world today we need to look to God for the answer. He gives us the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments, and tells us none of that matters if we do not put on love. It seems to me when we show mercy we are being loving. As I look at the Works of Mercy I see things I can do that aren’t fluffy and fruitless. These aren’t superficial or self-serving tasks. They are ways to serve our Lord and to bring His mercy to the world He created.

Image of the Divine Mercy from praymorenovenas.com

James 2:13For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

(Biblehub.com/ New American Standard Bible)

May God bless you this 2019!