How many articles are written on the topic of mercy. Some try to reveal the essence of this virtue, the second - to show its significance, and still others completely refute its disinterestedness. And yet the essence of mercy, as before, eludes them, like an morning dream, dissolving into the depths of consciousness.
And all because one cannot simply take and describe in ordinary words such a thing as mercy. An example is what you need for a better understanding. Indeed, only thanks to clear images can a person understand the thoughts of another person. Otherwise, the written text will remain only letters on the screen.
What is mercy?
The explanatory dictionary gives us a rather dry meaning of the word. According to him, mercy is just a manifestation of compassion for another person. This is the ability of people to forgive each other, throwing back all ambitions and prejudices.
It would seem that there is nothing to supplement this formulation. But, rereading these lines again and again, we gradually become convinced that something is missing here. As if in the shadow there was something unsaid, able to put everything in its place.
After all, mercy is not just a feeling within us. It is a powerful force capable of doing good deeds. And if you understand it, comprehend it and teach it to others, then the world will soon change forever. But let's talk about everything in order.
The invisible world of our soul
So, how to better understand the meaning of the word mercy? Well, for this you need to look inside yourself. Try to look at that distant, unknown world in which our feelings live. After all, it is there that mercy is born and matures.
But it cannot long exist alone. Without love for others and kindness in the heart, mercy quickly fades. Therefore, only those who have cultivated these virtues can be called merciful. Awareness of this fact will help to better understand the nature of the concept under consideration, so to speak, to see its origins.
Why is mercy necessary?
Speaking on the topic of mercy, it is impossible not to ask: “Is it really so important in the modern world?” The question is quite justified. After all, now is the era of progress, market relations rule the world , and almost all acquaintances are based on mutual benefit. Has mercy not lost its significance in such a society?
The answer lies in the question itself. Yes, the world is now becoming much more severe, because capitalism and eternal competition have made us look like predators. But that is why goodness and mercy are so important now. If they weren’t, people would have long been gnawing at each other's throats in pursuit of their piece of happiness.
Mercy is a constraining barrier that prevents humanity from falling into the abyss of its ambitions and desires. It, like a small raft, keeps us afloat in a sea of sins and vices. That is why the modern world so badly needs such virtue as mercy. An example proving the truth of this statement can easily be found in real life. After all, every day someone commits an act of mercy in relation to others. This may be a usual alms to the poor or a fundraiser for the needs of the orphanage.
What is the difference between Christian and secular mercy
Poems about mercy are a common norm for the Christian community. Many psalms and revelations are dedicated to this topic. It is not surprising, because charity to others is the main virtue for a believer. But is there a difference between the usual manifestation of compassion and what Christians preach?
You need to understand that any Christian wants to go to heaven, otherwise what is the meaning of his faith? Naturally, one can argue with this statement, and yet ... there is hardly a person who voluntarily wants to go to hell. But now is not about that. What is more important is that the manifestation of Christian mercy is almost always worth the desire to please God. That is, it is he who is the factor that affects the compassion of the believer.
If we talk about secular mercy, then it comes directly from the heart. Its source is the personal qualities and values of the individual. Such a person does not wait for praise and reward from above; his goal is mercy itself. An example of this can be seen in situations where people try to solve certain social problems: feed the starving, shelter the homeless, help the wounded, and so on.
Mercy is an example of the noblest feeling
Although it does not matter what is the source of this feeling. Indeed, thanks to the actions that a person commits under his influence, the world is becoming better day by day. Helping orphans, delivering medicines to hot spots, fighting hunger in African villages - all this became possible only thanks to the efforts of people in whose hearts a flame of mercy burns.
The good news is that you can see the manifestation of this virtue not only on the screen, but also in real life. A guy helping an old woman cross the road; kind woman, daily feeding homeless dogs; an unknown writer reading fairy tales in an orphanage; thousands of volunteers donating blood for the needs of the hospital ... All of them are vivid examples of human mercy, breaking the usual stereotypes of the modern world.