Mercy displays an understanding heart

"For each person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own little load (of oppressive faults)."

- Galatians 6:5 (AMP)

When was the last time you were late and expected someone would understand?

How about the time you left your coffee cup and dishes on the table for someone else to clean up?

Or maybe you accidentally left the lid on the peanut butter jar loose. Instead of smooth and creamy, the next person opened it to find it dry and stale.

Oftentimes, we are eager to overlook our own faults, and according to Galatians 6:5, we all have them. But we have higher standards when it comes to our expectations of someone else who has the same faults or their own unique set of them. We need to be as equally understanding toward the weaknesses of others just as we excuse our own.

A couple of my strengths are punctuality and organization. But sometimes things happen and I slip up. When this happens, I realize I can't be so hard on myself. I also realize when someone else creates chaos, I need to show them the same mercy I need. If it happens to me on occasion, I need to realize it happens to others.

I am not suggesting we don't work on improving our faults, or that it is all right to be chronically late or leaving a mess behind us. We should always work toward self-improvement.

I am talking about when things just happen. We shouldn't have a double standard that says we're excused from mishaps, but can't forgive someone else.

Mercy displays an understanding heart. If we are blind to our own faults, we aren't going to be merciful toward others. Looking at ourselves and showing a little mercy goes a long way when life's mishaps take place.

When the tables are turned, showing mercy toward someone's shortcomings could cause us to reap some in return.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Invite her to speak at your church group, business or be your personal coach. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.