“Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!”
Psalms 74:11

Growing up I don't think there was a more satisfying feeling than watching either my brother or sister get in trouble.  I can remember one time my brother got his mouth washed with soap because he swore.  I loved watching every minute of it.  It brought me great joy to watch my brother go through such punishment.

Other times when my brother did wrong he didn't get punished.  Those times bothered me as a kid.  I was upset because it was fun watching my brother get punished.  I was also upset because I felt he deserved punishment.  I used to play lots of Nicky Nicky Nine Doors as a kid.  My dad found out and was not happy. As soon as he found out, it was spanking time.  I pleaded with my dad to take it easy on me.  Fortunately he did.

It was wrong of me to cheer on the wrath my brother received after his swearing but expect mercy in return for playing Nicky Nicky Nine Doors.  I think mercy is a powerful thing.  If I want others to be punished every time they do something wrong, then I should expect the same treatment in return.  However; if I am willing to give mercy to those who wrong me, then and only then do I deserve mercy when I fail others.