Wounded Lion, Lucerne, Switzerland
Thought for the Week: Forgiveness and Mercy
Our current culture loves to point out people’s failings. It makes us feel strong and righteous. But how often do we really know why others act–or fail to act–the way they do? Before we ridicule or punish people, maybe we need to try better to understand them, to listen before we pronounce “justice” on them. Because when we work to understand others, “old-fashioned” virtues like forgiveness and mercy suddenly start to look like what they really are: our greatest strengths.
“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien“Three months ago, if you asked me, I would have told you that if you really loved someone, you’d let them go. But now…I see that I’ve been wrong. If you really love someone…I think you have to take them back.”
~Jodi Picoult (Mercy)“The world will give you that once in a while, a brief timeout; the boxing bell rings, and you go to your corner, where somebody dabs mercy on your beat-up life.”
~Sue Monk Kidd“My father never taught me mercy.”
“Can you not learn?”
~Leigh Bardugo“Love, Mercy, and Grace, sisters all, attend your wounds of silence and hope.”
~Aberjhani
The unspoken truth. #compassion
Such a timely reminder 🙏✨ It’s so easy to judge quickly, but choosing to understand before we condemn is真正的 strength, not weakness. The Tolkien quote about not being “too eager to deal out death in judgement” really stuck with me 💭❤️ Thank you for this, Mitch!
— Khadija 🤍
My privilege, Khadija. 🧡
Forgiveness and mercy must seem to be incompatible when justice is also demanding a seat at the table, especially in this current climate.
But as you said, they are our greatest strengths.
Exactly, Nigel. “Justice without mercy is revenge.” https://mitchteemley.com/local-actor-helps-bring-forgiveness-to-the-screen/
Thanks for sharing the link, Mitch. Last year, April, I was invited to write a piece for The Forgiveness Project in the UK. The charity does a remarkable job, considering the nature of the topic. It was an honor to be invited to write a biblical piece..
https://hytsdaily.com/2025/04/12/the-forgiveness-project/
I saw it, and loved it, Nigel!
A powerful reminder that true strength lies not in judging others, but in understanding, forgiving, and showing mercy. Mercy doesn’t weaken justice, it deepens our humanity. 🙏
Exactly, Vijay. 💪
Amen, we need to learn to be quiet, to give love and hope instead of judgment.
Blessings
One of my favorite Tolkien (Gandalf) quotes!
Love these. Paramount between us and around us “Whoa, oh, mercy mercy me”!
One of my favorite quotes of all time: “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien Thank you for these thoughts! Wonderful!
My privilege, Katie. And, yes, that’s a classic Tolkien quote.
I love the classic Tolkien quotes! 🙂
Mitch, as you know, mercy and forgiveness are superpowers. Gifts. Wonderments. Thanks.
Exactly, Rita. 🧡
Really great quotes!
I agree! Our times have been so laser-sharp focused on pointing out the flaws that we forget to embrace the beauty. Let’s see if humanity changes the course of this flawed plan, that is if we decide to act on it in time…
BBB
Vielen Dank für Ihre Antwort, Herr mitchteemley. Der Begriff des Selbst ist mir persönlich fremd. Ich befasse mich mit meiner unbewussten und bewussten Seite und muss in allen Lagen des Lebens, über Sitte und Moral, nur für mich selbst und nicht für andere, meinen eigenen Weg vom Anfang bis zum Ende finden. Ich bin dem zwanghaften und dem Versagen ausgesetzt und muss es für mich selbst anerkennen und ertragen. Ich akzeptiere Ihre Weltanschauung, auch wenn sie der meinigen nicht entspricht.
Pingback: Mitch Teemley – weisseis
It’s often been said that bullies tear others down because they don’t feel good about themselves.
Thanks for sharing this link, Mitch. I think forgiveness is something we all struggle with and can only experience through Faith.
I agree, Jennifer. To forgive, I think we have to believe in something greater than ourselves.
Excellent text!
Forgiveness and mercy are our strengths!
” Forgiveness is an acknowledgement of our common complex humanity. « The sun rises on the just and the unjust.:)
THANK YOU!
My privilege, new friend!
Strong words
We could all do with reading them.
Thank you, Steve.
“Our current culture loves to point out people’s failings.” You had me right there, Mitch. Resounds loud and clear. I need to fight clear of a knee-jerk prickliness that keeps roiling my musings. I love the phrase “dabs mercy on your beat-up life.”
🧡