The root cause is that people are afraid of what others think of them and their choices. It causes them to pull away from others because they assume that they will receive negative feedback, and unfortunately, our secular society has proved this to be true.

 

The antidote is not drugs or going to counseling. The true antidote for anxiety and depression is for people to show a spirit of mercy. James 2:13 says that mercy triumphs over judgement.

 

Everyone will need mercy one day because we all do things wrong. No one is immune. Without mercy people quickly jump on others. Why did you do that, or I cannot believe you did that. They may not even have done anything wrong. Sometimes we just mess up or get confused. Because this is the prevailing mindset, no wonder why so many people are anxious and depressed. Or worse, they look to get revenge and cause that person pain.

 

If we choose to start with mercy, we show them, even when they are wrong or mess up, that we love them and consider them important in our life. Now with mercy, there can and should be correction, but when done in a spirit of mercy, the person will want to do better because they care that they hurt us or messed up. They will change because they want to do it for us, not because we forced them. This will bring the long-term results we are looking for.

 

Something everyone needs to remember is that no one decides on purpose that they want to destroy a relationship with someone else. We want relationships more than anything else. When that is threatened or taken away, the result is anxiety and depression. When we foster a spirit of mercy, we allow those anxious and depressing thoughts of what if or what could happen to go away.

 

Do you want the world, or at least “your world” to be a better place? Then practice mercy with those in your life. Yes, some may take advantage of you because of it, but Jesus says that He will defend you because Jesus always practices a spirit of mercy.

 

Also remember one day you will mess up and will need someone to show mercy on you. Give them a reason to do that for you!

 

Remember Jesus loves you; I love you, and you are awesome!