Merciful is how I strive to live my life. When I consider the synonyms: Compassionate, forgiving, generous, kind and sympathetic among others, it just makes sense to me to try to be these things.
I’m not a Christian of any particular kind. I’m not even sure I believe in God, though I’m not adverse to the idea that there is more than we can see in the universe that is plain to our mortal senses. I don’t believe in the concept of karma as it relates to an eye for an eye. I believe in existence. I believe that it’s something we all have, whether we’re of this race or that, whether we’re human, animal, insect or herb. We are all equal in the fact that we live – we, all of us, affect one another in at least some small way. I also believe that we have choices in this life in how we exist. The sick can be happy – the healthy miserable. We can make the best of what we have to deal with, no matter what it is. Or we can dwell on that which is not ideal.
But what can we do for each other? If we all strove to ease one another’s existence, how wonderful would the world be? Yes, there would still be challenges; existence cannot be free of pain. Sometimes a smile, a helping hand, or a compassionate ear for someone who needs to talk things out can make all the difference.
I don’t need a God to tell me these things. I don’t need a proscribed belief system at all. I just need to be and to recognize that so does everyone else. Equally.
April 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm
It was interesting to read your post about being merciful because Pope Francis has just issued a document to celebrate a Jubilee year, with the focus being on mercy. While this is obviously a Catholic declaration, Francis – and many other Christians – look on mercy as a universal value, as you describe here. Francis has been particularly diligent in reaching out to all people of good will, whether those people belong to a spiritual/faith tradition or not, because of the universality of the need for mercy, love, and peace.
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 11:50 am
Ummm, sounds like you have been pondering Linda.
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 6:21 pm
I have. And now I’m trying to cheer myself up. Not sure how well it’s working, but hey, it’s something that I’m trying. 🙂
LikeLike
April 15, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Very good post Linda 😀
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Thanks, Irene. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 15, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Never ceases to amaze me the power of a smile.
LikeLike
April 15, 2015 at 4:55 pm
😀 Hey, aren’t you supposed to be on holiday, Michael?
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 7:58 am
I’m in Seoul tonight, off to London tomorrow and I have wi-fi.
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 9:10 am
Oooh! Make sure you say hi to the Queen for me if you’re near Buckingham Palace. 🙂
LikeLike
April 15, 2015 at 3:41 pm
I agree. Respect, live and let live, and help whoever you can. Sounds like a good religion to me 🙂
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Thanks, Luccia. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 15, 2015 at 3:39 pm
I do believe in God, but I also believe that you are right. I think that the majority of people are good and want to treat others well and be treated well in return. There is much we can do for others to help them have a better life.
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 5:48 pm
There is. 🙂 All we have to do is care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 15, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Makes sense to me.
LikeLike
April 16, 2015 at 5:47 pm
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 15, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Beautiful words eloquently spoken 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 16, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
April 20, 2015 at 8:45 am
You are most welcome have a blessed and beautiful week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person