FAILPROOF RECIPE FOR MERCY

". . . [M]ercy is a quality of growth. . . [T]here is a great reward of personal satisfaction in being first just, next fair, then patient, then kind. And then, on that foundation, . . . you can take the next step and really show mercy; but you cannot exhibit mercy in and of itself. These steps must be traversed; otherwise, there can be no genuine mercy. There may be patronage, condescension, or charity—even pity—but not mercy. True mercy comes only as the beautiful climax to these preceding adjuncts to group understanding, mutual appreciation, fraternal fellowship, spiritual communion, and divine harmony.” [UB, 28:6.8]

Thought Adjuster: “This statement contains a mother lode of practical information on how to acquire the godlike attribute of mercy. The recipe for this fine quality's obtention consists of chronologically incorporating four main ingredients: Justice + Fairness + Patience + Kindness.

‘Unjust’ mercy fails to impart corrective spiritual guidance while ‘unfair’ mercy is a travesty of justice. To reach a fair verdict, divine justice considers both attenuating and aggravating circumstances with the benevolent agenda of rehabilitating the contrite offender.

Its end objective is to rightall wrongs. This is where the element of patience comes into play, as the passing of time is needed to reform dysfunctional behavioral patterns toward the acquisition of self-mastery. One cannot and should not rush evolution.

Kindness is the final touch in that spiritual makeover. Cruel verdicts may accelerate the defendants' spiritual decay instead of halting this process to promote their recovery.

The saving grace of Jesus’ merciful attitude toward all is all-inclusive of these four prerequisites. He always acknowledges the attenuating factor of human ignorance and immaturity.

“Infinite wisdom is the eternal arbiter which determines the proportions of justice andmercy which shall be meted out in any given circumstance.”[UB, 2:3.2]

Treat others with the same mercy you wish to be extended to you. Is it just? Is it fair? Is it dictated by the wisdom of patience or the impulsiveness of anger? Is it kind? Each of these attitudes is a rung up the spiritual ladder you are asked to climb to set both feet on the platform of mercy.”