I've Been Thinking

Go and do likewise.

That was his response, when asked by a man from the crowd "Who is my neighbor?". It was an elaborate story of infinite implications.

As it turns out, my neighbor is anyone who needs to be shown mercy.


It's simply compassion.

I'm not addressing the deeply cut hearts here, though I still place value in having mercy on your offender.

Sometimes mercy is forfeiting an argument to win a friend.

Sometimes mercy is hating something someone did, but loving them anyways.

Sometimes mercy is patience.

Sometimes mercy is allowing someone to have their own beliefs.

Sometimes mercy is knowing they won't pay that money back, but give anyways.

Sometimes mercy is knowing someone despises you, but you do what's right.

Sometimes mercy is showing them what right looks like, without telling them they're doing it wrong.