A funny character in an old tv sit-com used to exclaim, "Have mercy!" and made the audience laugh. The word "mercy" is an interesting term. It is usually understood as benevolence, kindness and forgiveness. But its actual meaning is compassion towards who deserves a fair punishment. The key point, here, is the word "fair". It could be debated whether it is right to withdraw a punishment when it is well deserved. Some say that "forgiving" is better, others reply that not punishing a wrong deed encourages to persevere in the guilty behavior. Which opinion is "better"? There is no better or worse, here. People's own conscience should be the only judge. No moral law can be established for such a delicate topic.
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