Full disclosure: I’m a word nerd. Imprecise language hits my ear like off-key singing. It makes me a dinosaur in this age of “whatever.” I looked up the word “mercy” in my trusty online American Heritage Dictionary, which I love because its usage panels still have standards. So “mercy” is defined as “1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power; clemency. 2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving. 3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing. 4. Alleviation of distress; relief.”

Further, the AHD distinguishes between terms: mercy (“compassionate forbearance), leniency (mildness, gentleness, a tendency to reduce punishment), clemency (mercy shown by someone with judicial authority) and charity (goodwill and benevolence in judging others).

Whew.

Fortunately, many songs and psalms express the depth and breadth of the concept of mercy: “I Head the Voice of Jesus Say,” “Remember Your Love,” Psalm 103 or 130, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” and a host of others. “Amazing Grace” is excellent, too, depending on your community; some people love it, but overuse has killed it for others.

Choose some that are already in your community’s repertoire, but don’t just rely on those. Find a new one that speaks to your community in a new and meaningful voice. The concept of mercy is not meant to be a stale cliché.