Justice and Mercy

I tend to see the world as black and white. If there are rules, you follow the rules. If there are guidelines, you follow the guidelines. If not, what is the purpose for having rules and guidelines? Life just seems so much less complicated if you just get in line and follow along.

And then I became a teacher. Students are always wanting exceptions to the rules. I've tried to learn how to be more merciful and kind, realizing that sometimes life happens.

And then my niece became a student at BYU. I'm starting to see the world through her eyes as she is dealing with professors and she is hoping for some Mercy. It has made me re-think my approach as a professor. I think I've been a little more merciful this year.

It is hard to know how much Mercy to have. What constitutes a situation for which I should show Mercy? Where does Justice come in to play?

• My family is going to Italy for a week on vacation.
• Spring football practice kept me from studying. I know classes have been over for a week, but is there anything I can do for extra credit to help my grade?
• I couldn't get a hold of the agency, even though I know I had all semester to work on this project. So I don't know if I'll make the deadline for completing the project.
• I have pink spots and can't go to the testing center to take the test.
• My boyfriend got hurt in a rugby game and I was at the hospital with him. I know I've had 3 days to take the test, but I'm not going to make it to the testing center before it closes.
• You gave us the option to take our score for exam #1 as the score for exam #2. I'm sorry that I didn't respond, but can I still choose that option? I know the exam is over, you've already graded the exam and given it back.
• Could you review some of these survey questions for my project? And could you do that today?

What's the balance between Justice and Mercy? Between being flexible and accommodating, but not being taken advantage of? I don't have the answer, but I'm working on it.

I really liked this statement made by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his recent General Conference talk (he was quoting someone else) "surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it." 

I want to be more merciful.