Lord, have Mercy!

In my homeland, when this exclamation is heard it’s either a cry of woe, a plea for leniency or a shout of frustration. We've all heard or said “Lord, have mercy”, “May God have mercy upon your soul”, “Mercy me” and other similar phrases at least once in our life. All mention 'mercy', but what does the word mean…exactly?

The Bible explains that Mercy is an act of forgiving the sinner and withholding the punishment that is justly deserved, and it also offers many examples of man-to-man and God-to-man experiences, the foremost one being Jesus’ sacrifice for sin (on mankind’s behalf).
The Dictionary says that it is “compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
And, in Criminal Law it is “The total or partial remission of a punishment to which a convict is subject.” When someone pleads to the Magistrate for mercy, he/she is aware of their guilt and the punishment that is deserved, but is asking for leniency with the sentence to be given.

Mercy is a godly trait or virtue, so when we show mercy to those who’ve wronged us we are exercising the godliness within us, which then leads us to forgive them. Without ‘Mercy’, granting someone forgiveness (even one’s own self) is impossible, because the formula for it is Love + Mercy. And, it is better to receive mercy than it is to get justice (the formula for which is Love – Mercy). I’m better with reasoning, than with mathematical equations, so if those aren't sound, please, ‘have mercy on me’ .

Remembering to exercise the ‘god’ in us by being merciful, especially towards those who’ve harmed us, is key to receiving mercy from God.
Blessings everyone!