Whenever you see someone in an act of Sin, Pray these short prayers of Mercy and Forgiveness

One among the most difficult temptations to overcome is that of judging a person who sins publicly in front of us, or even a person whose sins are publicly announced on the news. Immediately, we would want to think less of that person and to degrade them by saying or thinking some uncharitable thoughts.

Still, if we are to live the Christian way of life, our first thought should be of mercy and forgiveness.

In that case, Jesus said to his disciples that dwelling too much on the faults of others will simply lead to a tendency to overlook our own faults.

So, according to (Mathew 7: 1-5), “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

And a common way to overcome this initial reaction is to pray for that person, calling on God’s mercy upon them.

Below are a few aspirations that can be helpful to develop this habit.
So whenever we say some one in an act of Sin, we should say,

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Lord! Lay not this sin to their charge.

My God! from my heart, I forgive all who have injured me; and I beg for all the graces of which they stand in need for them.

If by injuring me, they have offended you, my God, please forgive them.

And we are reminded that by doing this simple act of praying for them, you will be following God’s command as directed in (Mathew 5:44) “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.

Anyways, It’s not an easy disposition to follow, but one that will lead to a more merciful and charitable heart.