“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2

Dear Jesus, Help me to truly believe in mercy so, even though I see the sins and faults of others, I do not think I’m better or less condemned by nature than them. Help me to realize that if I live without patience and mercy, I will create an environment around me that treats me just the same. If I do not remember mercy, I know you will make me pay for my sins too. You came to earth to establish mercy as the greatest gift we all have. Help me live by your mercy and reflect it in how I love people even when I must confront them to resolve conflict that their sins have caused. Give me a merciful heart that loves the naughtiest of people the same way I love myself. Make me an instrument of your grace. Amen.

To have mercy is greater than any striving for self-perpetuated goodness.