Today in my workout class, my instructor greeted us with her morning thoughts. “This morning, I want you to practice extending grace. Extending grace to yourself as you begin to move your body. Extending grace through each movement, finding where your body isn’t comfortable going, and being ok with that. Then as you practice throughout your day, extending mercy to others. Whatever that looks like to you, I challenge you to extend mercy to yourself and others.”

Purposefully, I began to scroll through my mind and review how unmerciful I have been treating myself lately. My self-talk has been critical, hurtful, and unkind. I would never speak to anyone as I speak to myself. In those moments, forgiveness began and mercy washed over me.

Then my mind honed in on past hurts from others. In those moments I failed to extend mercy. Did someone say something that was unkind? Perhaps they completely overlooked how you might view a situation and ignored how it would feel to you? Did the children seeking your attention during a time you had just sat down to work on the computer, take a nap, or read a book? Maybe your spouse didn’t get the towels hung correctly or the dishwasher loaded just how you want it.

My sweet friend, today, would you practice extending mercy? Yes, I completely understand the need for an undisturbed nap, loading the dishwasher properly, or want my feelings to be considered. Trust me, I do. However, what if I looked at others the way Jesus looks at me. With silent understanding and compassion.

Sometimes, there is more to a situation than what you see. The other person may have experienced hurt and is compounding it by lashing out at you, but you aren’t really their target. Your child is feeling insecure and just needs to talk. Your spouse is in a hurry to get to a meeting but is thoughtfully trying to help out by loading the dishwasher or hang up the towels.

Whatever it is, would you practice extending mercy? Mercy is a gift of not giving back to a situation a response that is deserved. Looking past what you see immediately in front of you and with compassion, responding in love and forgiveness. Practice it on yourself. God has designed you to be unique and wonderful. He rejoices in who He created you to be. Smile, my friend, because He has been merciful to you and me.

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.