As a country with many of our loved ones working in many different countries abroad as OFWs, we owe to forget not that punishment without mercy is cruelty. Punishment is condemnation of the wrong act committed. Mercy is respecting the human person because he/she (and each one of us) comes from God, and that God loves all of us absolutely without any condition.
In one level, asking for forgiveness and humbly accepting appropriate punishment is a righteous way of acknowledging fault -- and this is embracing justice. On the other level, not losing the willingness to be still accepting of the [undeserving] person despite his/her wrongdoing is giving the person a chance in and for righteousness -- and this is mercy.
Justice is giving each person what he/she deserves. Mercy is giving each person what he/she doesn't deserve.
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Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all (James 2:10). Judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). For God desires mercy, more than [animal blood and burnt offering] sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7).
In one level, asking for forgiveness and humbly accepting appropriate punishment is a righteous way of acknowledging fault -- and this is embracing justice. On the other level, not losing the willingness to be still accepting of the [undeserving] person despite his/her wrongdoing is giving the person a chance in and for righteousness -- and this is mercy.
Justice is giving each person what he/she deserves. Mercy is giving each person what he/she doesn't deserve.
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Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all (James 2:10). Judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). For God desires mercy, more than [animal blood and burnt offering] sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7).
