H26.08.88B.htm

(Cont. from Page 26/8/88A).

THE ADMINISTRATION OF MERCY
ACCORDING TO WISDOM. (2)

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MERCY.
The administration of mercy must not be extended to criminally perverse and/or wilfully dangerous persons. But while such ones must be isolated from society and have places for their internment, they should not be made to suffer cruelty at the hands of fellow inmates or prison officers. Mercy should not be understood as being limited to a person's release from legal constraint, such as parole or pardon for a crime. It should be an act of kindness and compassion to those deserving of mercy, helping them to progress toward the ultimate goal of a righteous life in accordance with Godly principles, showing compassion for others as they were shown. By Godly principles, because by whose standards other than those of Almighty God are crimes judged to be so? Those exercising mercy take a stand against cruel treatment, and must wisely show favour in practical terms as soon as it is within their power to exercise true mercy. (Prov 3:27).

Extending mercy to another should of course be measured in connection with the righteous Will of God. For example: If a 'Good Samaritan' came upon a persistent drunkard lying in the gutter and in need of help, but limited his assistance to the drunkard's immediate physical state and did not have his long term needs in view, it is very likely the drunkard would return to the gutter. If, however, compassion, kindness, and gentle persuasion by the accurate knowledge of the Word of God did not induce him to abandon his former ways, a further extension of mercy to him would merely become a licence for further sinning! (Heb 10:26-31 NEB) (Jude V.4). The parable of the Samaritan who provided for a man set upon by robbers is recorded in Luke 10:30 37. (See also Prov 24:11,12 NEB).

Accurate knowledge of the Will of God for mankind, along with one's supplications to God in prayer, will help one decide whether mercy should be extended in a particular case, and how long it should continue. For example, should mercy be extended to a wilful sinner who has full knowledge of his destructive behaviour? No, not at all. For perpetual mercy would merely perpetuate his wickedness, while deserved chastisement and punishment may be the mercy that saves him.

Mindless incarceration does not make for peace. In careful consideration of another's welfare, the administration of mercy should have as its aim peace and unity with God. If, however, the extension of mercy is exploited by an individual such that they continue to be injurious to others, whether spiritually or physically, it ceases to be of benefit to that individual or to society. Such ones must then share in the Judgement of God, receiving twice the "mixture" they poured out to others, learning "the truth through torments after death". (Rev 18:4-6) (2 Esdras 9:9-13 NEB).

Those guilty of deliberate premeditated murder should be forced to reside in isolation with others of their kind for the remainder of their lives, interned on an island with sufficient basic provisions. Those who cause death unintentionally or through negligence must accept full responsibility for their actions, receive a due measure of punishment for their error, and compensate those who have lost a loved one, before a degree of mercy is extended to them.

(Cont. on Page 21/8/90).

26/8/88B.