Mercy and kindness have to do with how we relate with others. Jesus said that we should love the Lord with all our hearts minds and soul, but we should also love our neighbours as ourselves.

To have mercy toward another means showing forgiveness to one whom you have the power to punish or harm. The question we should then ask ourselves is how do we relate with those who do us wrong? Do we extend tender mercies towards them or are we quick to seek revenge and even pronounce curses on them and in the process allowing unforgiveness to take root in our hearts leading to bitterness and resentment?

Think of the many times we sin against God even as believers, and yet, He has given us the reassurance in His word in Lamentations 3:23 that His mercies are new every morning. In the same way, we should be quick to extend mercy towards those who wrong us and even pray for them, just like Jesus prayed for those who nailed him to a cross.

Kindness, on the other hand, is to be compassionate and generous, especially towards the poor and weak and this is demanded of every believer. It is an act of good will that promotes the well-being of others. This reminds me of the scriptures that tell us to consider others as better than ourselves, now that is kindness in action.

When dealing with others do we carry an attitude of ruthlessness’ and cruelty or do we extend kindness and mercy? I have realized, just as the Bible says, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt. 5:7.) if you extend kindness and mercy towards others, the same will be extended to you as well. Remember, our kindness and mercy towards others should not be determined by how others treat us, but it should be our attitude and default setting.

Whose attitude of kindness has greatly impacted your life?

When have you ever needed mercy the most from someone, did you receive it, and how did that impact your life?

If all believers put on an attitude of mercy and kindness, what impact would it have in the world?