Member-only story
The One Quality Missing from Many Relationships
Here is the one thing that could make our lives better and improve the way we relate to the world.
We as a society are so hard on people who make mistakes. An inappropriate comment about a bad day at work or a picture of us partying too hard is enough to earn lots of condemnation from people we know and on social media. It may even get us fired or forced out of volunteer positions.
Celebrities and well-known individuals such as politicians are supposed to be perfect and never say or do the wrong thing. If they make a politically incorrect statement or misbehave, wham — they get clobbered.
What is missing is the quality of mercy. The word has come to have negative connotations. If we extend mercy, we are being a wuss and letting others take advantage of us. In reality, mercy can be a good thing that improves our physical and mental health.
Mercy means we are letting people off the hook when they say or do things that hurt and offend us. It may not be an option in every case, especially if the perpetrators are repeat offenders or have committed serious infractions or crimes. However, when people are unjust, say hurtful words, make silly mistakes, or screw up our lives, we have a choice. We can either demand justice and enforce consequences or choose to overlook the offense.
