The Fourth Through Sixth Attributes of Mercy
Rachum (Compassionate)
Seforno interprets this attribute as compassion, wherein H’shem lightens the punishment of the guilty when they call out to Him.
Chanun (Gracious)
According to Seforno, this attribute of graciousness is demonstrated when H’shem bestows goodness upon those who ask, even when they are undeserving.
Erech Apayim (Slow to Anger)
Sforno explains this attribute as H’shem's patience with both the righteous and the wicked. H’shem waits patiently for them to return to the right path before responding.
Rav Chesed (Abundant in Kindness)
Rashi interprets this attribute as H’shem providing undeserved kindness to those who lack their own merits for leniency.
Practical Applications
In Our Relationships
Transgressions don't require immediate response, and consequences can be undeservingly kind when we choose to engage with the person rather than merely judging their actions. These exercises aim to help us distinguish between the individual and their behavior, connecting with the person beyond their deeds. In the name of "Yirat Shamayim" (fear of Heaven), we often impose harsh consequences for infractions instead of first establishing loving, trusting relationships. True discipline should demonstrate love through deliberate efforts to build connection. For someone to accept correction and learn from it, they must first believe it comes from a place of genuine love, care, and admiration.
For Personal Growth
Practicing these principles strengthens relationships. Expectations often lead to hurt, and disappointments stem from judging how others' behaviors affect us personally. By shifting our focus toward compassion for others and releasing the demand for perfect behavior, we create space for happiness and appreciation in all that life offers To discipline appropriately, one must first master anger. The Vilna Gaon teaches that it is forbidden to reprimand someone when annoyed, as the offender will receive punishment disproportionate to their transgression. Therefore, committing to work on our anger and frustration will significantly enhance all our relationships.
Strengthening Faith and Prayer
Recognizing H’shem as the Universe's Master who sees through all His creations allows us to stop judging and accept that everyone faces their own struggles. Only He knows each person's challenges, and He governs what occurs in heaven and earth. Therefore, we should entrust the task of correcting the world to Him while learning to love, accept, and enjoy one another.
Clearing your heart of pain and hurt by accepting others' infractions as their personal struggles—not directed at you—will free your mind to focus on your prayers and connection to H’shem. Emulating H’shem's attributes becomes much easier when we internalize His Oneness, greatness, and governance. H’shem is all-knowing, the source of all gifts, sovereign over everything, and continuously forgiving of our forgetfulness. Similarly, we can overlook transgressions by those distracted by their circumstances.
Internalize H’shem's Oneness during the recitation of Shema, especially when pronouncing the word "Echad." The proper intention when reciting Shema is to reaccept the "Yoke of Heaven" (Ol Malchut Shamayim), embodied in the word Echad—H’shem's absolute Oneness over all creation.
The Sequential Development of Character
The journey begins with accepting human imperfection as a reality. Only when someone can acknowledge the flaws of human nature and life's disappointments can they release unreasonable expectations and strengthen their resolve to accept imperfections (Middah One).
Upon completing this foundational step, when infractions occur, one remains calm and prepared to react with control and forgiveness (Middah Two) without anger (Middah Three). Any necessary correction will then be administered with compassion (Middah Four) and clarity when forgiveness is sought (Middah Five), because there is no accumulated hurt or anger. This approach allows one to consider the misdeed as past, preserving the relationship from damage.(Midadah six) Photo by David White on Unsplash
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