Mercy Hydrants
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Mercy Hydrants
Mercy Hydrants
Mercy Hydrants
Mercy is compassion that moves past sympathy and empathy to help someone get what they need — whether they deserve it or not. What if in all of our relationships — especially business relationships — we all sought to help people get what they need instead of insisting we get what we deserve?
A wise man once said to me, “Be careful demanding justice to be done, especially when you may have to go back and ask for mercy.”
The situation involved a complex relationship and contract disagreement. We thought we were perfectly right so we wanted the result that was obvious to us. Like most disagreements, the people on the other side thought they were right too.
The wise man understood that as we listened to the other side, facts and circumstances may come out that make things not so clear. And if what we are seeking is the good of the institution, we may end up changing our position to a request for compassion. We may ask for patience, understanding, and mercy instead.
Mercy is compassion that moves past sympathy and empathy to help someone get what they need — whether they deserve it or not.
What if in all of our relationships — especially business relationships — we all sought to help people get what they need instead of insisting we get what we deserve? A lot of damage is done in the name of “fairness” and “what’s right.”
As leaders, if we seek what is best for all parties, not just for ourselves, all types of possibilities will emerge. If we work for the good of others, we will be astonished by the results. It’s an incredible advantage to work for the good of others.
Stephen Covey taught that seeking to understand the needs of the other party is the way to a win / win for all parties involved. Covey says, “Many people think in dichotomies, in either/or terms. Most people tend to think in terms of dichotomies: strong or weak, hardball or softball, win or lose. But that kind of thinking is fundamentally flawed. You not only have to be empathic, you have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you have to be brave.”
Receive Mercy
Followers of Jesus have a distinct advantage when it comes to seeking mercy for others because we understand that we have been given incredible undeserved mercy from the only One who is righteous. In fact, Jesus makes it perfectly clear He is not asking us to give what we owe to make up for our mistakes.
Jesus, the greatest leader in the history of the world, made it a regular practice to spend time with people that the self righteous believed deserved nothing. Here in this amazing passage, Jesus explains how He calls His followers and explains mercy.
“Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." - [.no-reftag]Matthew 9:9-13[.no-reftag]
Sacrifice to the Pharisees (religious leaders of that time) meant to do something to make up for your sins. Those who knew they could never make up for their sins were hopeless. The Pharisees thought their religion could save them. Their sins were more offensive to Jesus because they believed they could save themselves. They lacked humility and they lacked mercy for others.
Jesus was the very definition of righteousness and mercy. He gave His life so that sinners could receive mercy. He does not grade us by big sins and little sins. He offers grace and mercy to all who will receive it whenever they need it. But, it’s impossible to receive mercy if we don’t humble ourselves and see our deep needs.
Spew Mercy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - [.no-reftag]Matthew 5:7[.no-reftag]
Those who are aware of the mercy they receive can’t help but spew mercy all over others. Merciful people know they deserve nothing and yet have received everything. This humble understanding causes us to have an abundant, open-hearted, open-handed, merciful approach with other people. The more you understand what you received, the more likely you are to grant mercy to all people in all circumstances — especially in business.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains it this way, “This person has transgressed against me; very well, here comes my opportunity? That is the very antithesis of being merciful. This person is in your power; is there a vindictive spirit, or is there a spirit of pity and sorrow, a spirit, if you like, of kindness to your enemies in dis-tress? Or, again, we can describe it as inward sympathy and outward acts in relation to the sorrows and sufferings of others."
Mercy Kicks Buts
You may be saying “Ok, ok, I get it, but…” Mercy kicks “buts”. Mercy eliminates the “buts” and leaves us in a humble, abundant place ready to disperse all we have been given. But, since we are a people of “buts,” let's address three common “buts.”
1. But, isn’t it best to hold people accountable?
Ask yourself, “Have I been held accountable for every wrong action of mine by God?” Grace and mercy are a free gift of God, and not one of us can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, sometimes God does hold us accountable in love to teach us (Exodus 34:6-7). In some cases, it is mercy to hold others accountable so that they can learn, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant beginning in Matthew 18:21.
2. But, what if they did the wrong thing on purpose?
Ask yourself, “Have I done wrong on purpose?” Can you look back and see things you did wrong on purpose and no one (especially God) gave you what you fully deserved. Stephen, the first martyr after Jesus, forgave his murderers with almost the exact words Jesus used to forgive His killers. And they certainly did it on purpose! It’s ok to ask the offending party to make up for the harm they have done, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see the Stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:1.
3. But, shouldn’t they acknowledge they are wrong?
Have you ever failed to tell God you are sorry? (Of course! You can pause and do that now.) True forgiveness and mercy is given not earned. Which means it does not require anything on the part of the offending party. Consider the way Paul encouraged Philemon to take back the runaway slave, Onesimus, by asking him to consider would he make a better brother than a slave?! “but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” It's ok to ask for a confession, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see Philemon and Onesimus in Philemon 1:1.
Those who know they are forgiven much, forgive others. Those who know they are loved, love others. Those who know they have received mercy, grant mercy to others.
Resources:
Article: Hunger and Thirst for More — Much More | Howard Graham
Article: Relationship Victory — Thinking Win/Win — Requires Consideration and Courage | Howard Graham
Article: Have Mercy on Me | David Mathis
Sermon: Blessed are the Merciful | Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones
Sermon: Mercy, Not Sacrifice | Tim Keller
Photo Credit: Getty Images
A wise man once said to me, “Be careful demanding justice to be done, especially when you may have to go back and ask for mercy.”
The situation involved a complex relationship and contract disagreement. We thought we were perfectly right so we wanted the result that was obvious to us. Like most disagreements, the people on the other side thought they were right too.
The wise man understood that as we listened to the other side, facts and circumstances may come out that make things not so clear. And if what we are seeking is the good of the institution, we may end up changing our position to a request for compassion. We may ask for patience, understanding, and mercy instead.
Mercy is compassion that moves past sympathy and empathy to help someone get what they need — whether they deserve it or not.
What if in all of our relationships — especially business relationships — we all sought to help people get what they need instead of insisting we get what we deserve? A lot of damage is done in the name of “fairness” and “what’s right.”
As leaders, if we seek what is best for all parties, not just for ourselves, all types of possibilities will emerge. If we work for the good of others, we will be astonished by the results. It’s an incredible advantage to work for the good of others.
Stephen Covey taught that seeking to understand the needs of the other party is the way to a win / win for all parties involved. Covey says, “Many people think in dichotomies, in either/or terms. Most people tend to think in terms of dichotomies: strong or weak, hardball or softball, win or lose. But that kind of thinking is fundamentally flawed. You not only have to be empathic, you have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you have to be brave.”
Receive Mercy
Followers of Jesus have a distinct advantage when it comes to seeking mercy for others because we understand that we have been given incredible undeserved mercy from the only One who is righteous. In fact, Jesus makes it perfectly clear He is not asking us to give what we owe to make up for our mistakes.
Jesus, the greatest leader in the history of the world, made it a regular practice to spend time with people that the self righteous believed deserved nothing. Here in this amazing passage, Jesus explains how He calls His followers and explains mercy.
“Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." - [.no-reftag]Matthew 9:9-13[.no-reftag]
Sacrifice to the Pharisees (religious leaders of that time) meant to do something to make up for your sins. Those who knew they could never make up for their sins were hopeless. The Pharisees thought their religion could save them. Their sins were more offensive to Jesus because they believed they could save themselves. They lacked humility and they lacked mercy for others.
Jesus was the very definition of righteousness and mercy. He gave His life so that sinners could receive mercy. He does not grade us by big sins and little sins. He offers grace and mercy to all who will receive it whenever they need it. But, it’s impossible to receive mercy if we don’t humble ourselves and see our deep needs.
Spew Mercy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - [.no-reftag]Matthew 5:7[.no-reftag]
Those who are aware of the mercy they receive can’t help but spew mercy all over others. Merciful people know they deserve nothing and yet have received everything. This humble understanding causes us to have an abundant, open-hearted, open-handed, merciful approach with other people. The more you understand what you received, the more likely you are to grant mercy to all people in all circumstances — especially in business.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains it this way, “This person has transgressed against me; very well, here comes my opportunity? That is the very antithesis of being merciful. This person is in your power; is there a vindictive spirit, or is there a spirit of pity and sorrow, a spirit, if you like, of kindness to your enemies in dis-tress? Or, again, we can describe it as inward sympathy and outward acts in relation to the sorrows and sufferings of others."
Mercy Kicks Buts
You may be saying “Ok, ok, I get it, but…” Mercy kicks “buts”. Mercy eliminates the “buts” and leaves us in a humble, abundant place ready to disperse all we have been given. But, since we are a people of “buts,” let's address three common “buts.”
1. But, isn’t it best to hold people accountable?
Ask yourself, “Have I been held accountable for every wrong action of mine by God?” Grace and mercy are a free gift of God, and not one of us can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, sometimes God does hold us accountable in love to teach us (Exodus 34:6-7). In some cases, it is mercy to hold others accountable so that they can learn, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant beginning in Matthew 18:21.
2. But, what if they did the wrong thing on purpose?
Ask yourself, “Have I done wrong on purpose?” Can you look back and see things you did wrong on purpose and no one (especially God) gave you what you fully deserved. Stephen, the first martyr after Jesus, forgave his murderers with almost the exact words Jesus used to forgive His killers. And they certainly did it on purpose! It’s ok to ask the offending party to make up for the harm they have done, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see the Stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:1.
3. But, shouldn’t they acknowledge they are wrong?
Have you ever failed to tell God you are sorry? (Of course! You can pause and do that now.) True forgiveness and mercy is given not earned. Which means it does not require anything on the part of the offending party. Consider the way Paul encouraged Philemon to take back the runaway slave, Onesimus, by asking him to consider would he make a better brother than a slave?! “but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” It's ok to ask for a confession, but mostly for their good. Mercy should be the overwhelming approach.
For a deeper understanding see Philemon and Onesimus in Philemon 1:1.
Those who know they are forgiven much, forgive others. Those who know they are loved, love others. Those who know they have received mercy, grant mercy to others.
Resources:
Article: Hunger and Thirst for More — Much More | Howard Graham
Article: Relationship Victory — Thinking Win/Win — Requires Consideration and Courage | Howard Graham
Article: Have Mercy on Me | David Mathis
Sermon: Blessed are the Merciful | Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones
Sermon: Mercy, Not Sacrifice | Tim Keller
Photo Credit: Getty Images