Ethical Dilemmas - Justice versus Mercy

Follow justice and justice alone. - Deuteronomy 16:20

His compassions never fail ...they are new every morning - Lamentations 3:22-23

live not according to the golden rule but beyond it - Donald Bloesch

fairness, equity, and even-handed application of the law often conflicts with compassion, empathy and love - Rushworth Kidder, How Good People Make Tough Choices

As symbolized by the blindfolded woman holding the scales of justice, despite the pressures of the moment, rights and principles must be upheld. Compassion and sympathy are not substitutes for fairness and equity. Private emotions are not to interfere with the impartiality of justice. The claims of justice are very demanding. It must be absolute.

Mercy on the other hand, is never blind. It looks at the individual. Particularly, the differences that make a difference. Mercy calls for us to rise above the dictates of law and social order. Since nothing else in the universe is of more value, it calls for us to be compassionate and treat the individual as absolute. To embrace the individual, no matter their lack of merit.

Taken by itself, there is a wholeness of life that cannot be captured by either justice or mercy. At what point do you give the addicted employee one more chance to get their life together; or do you terminate them for consistently violating company policy? The reaction to blind mercy is "tough love". At what point does compassion become enabling? What is the message being given to others?

To focus on justice and simply apply the letter of law, does not do justice to the situation. Yes choices must be made, but the reality of this type of situation cannot be adequately understood by either side. Is it right to do justice? Is it right to be merciful? How can I do both? The resolution will be based upon a personal decision determined by how one balances justice and mercy, and not on external factors. Corresponding reactions of "ruthless bottom-line tyrant" or "bleeding heart liberal" can follow either choice.

Since both sides of the justice versus mercy dilemma make profound and unyielding claims upon us, making decisions favoring either side can be heartbreaking. There is no automatic right way; but decide we must. Such is the nature of ethical dilemmas, it is only in making the decision, is the issue resolved.