We’ve all had moments where we needed mercy. Just as important as giving mercy is the ability to receive it. But receiving mercy can be harder than it sounds. Why? Because of mental obstacles like pride, doubt, and shame.
Let’s start with pride. Pride convinces us that we don’t need help, that we’re always right, and that asking for mercy is a sign of weakness. In today’s culture, especially online, we’re bombarded with messages that say, “Be independent. Don’t rely on anyone. Have it all together.” But that mindset confuses weakness with vulnerability. They are not the same.
Take Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” We often hear this in moments of success, but that’s not the context in which it was written. Paul, the author, had suffered deeply. Formerly known as Saul—a Pharisee who persecuted Christians—he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. After a transformative vision and being healed of blindness, Saul became Paul and began proclaiming Christ, despite his violent past. His life was marked by hardship and suffering, yet he said, “I can do all things in Christ.” He wasn’t talking about worldly triumphs. He was talking about enduring trials through divine strength.
Paul later writes in 2 Corinthians 12 that he pleaded with God to take away his weakness, but God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s conclusion? “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
St. Paul, Ted Lasso, & Receiving God’s Mercy
Mercy in Ted Lasso
Now, what does mercy look like today? Enter Ted Lasso, my favorite show ever (and no, I won’t sing the theme song… humility).
Ted is an American football coach hired to lead a soccer team in England. Though everyone doubts him, he wins people over through kindness and grace. One of the people he lifts up is Nate, who starts as a lowly equipment manager and becomes an assistant coach.
But with power, Nate grows prideful and eventually betrays Ted. Ted’s best friend, Coach Beard, is furious and ready to expose Nate to the world. But Ted stops him with this line:
“I hope that either all of us or none of us are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather by the strength we show when we’re given a second chance.”
Beard, instead of retaliating, has a quiet, powerful conversation with Nate. No yelling. Just grace. And that’s when you realize: this is what mercy looks like in 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you take away nothing else from this, let it be this: You don’t have to carry the burden of pride, doubt, or shame. God’s mercy is stronger than all of it. It’s okay to be weak. In fact, it’s human. And God meets us there—in our weakness—with strength, forgiveness, and love.
Receive it.
