Is mercy the same as being “soft on crime”?

Calling an opponent soft on crime is common political jargon intended as an insult during election seasons. When people hear it, they are meant to envision thieves and murderers breaking into their homes with no repercussions, a frightening lack of justice.

Is that the same as mercy? Is mercy weak? Is mercy a lack of justice?

God is called both just and merciful in the Bible. How do these two things co-exist?

Justice means laws and rules are enforced. Appropriate and timely punishment is given to people who commit crimes.

Mercy is the choice not to give that punishment to the criminal. Not a failure or inability to do so, but intentionally choosing not to.

God is both just and merciful to His children. He did mete out justice for all of our crimes. And the punishment was very harsh. It called for death. However, God is also merciful because He chose not to give that punishment to the criminals, us. He delivered the punishment instead to His own Son, Jesus. Justice was served while we received loving mercy.

“Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭36,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Now that we have seen how it’s done, God tells us to behave the same way. We should seek justice for those who can’t find it and offer mercy at every turn. God’s ultimate justice will prevail, and His mercy as well.

Dear God, thank you for your amazing gift of mercy. Thank you also for your promise of justice — although I’m glad you didn’t make me pay the price for my sins. Teach me how to care for those who lack justice as well as be merciful to those who deserve punishment.