By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The words “pardon” and “mercy” beautifully complement each other, leading to profound consequences and uplifting experiences.
Recent discussions on political pardons reveal the true essence of mercy and underscore the importance of seeking forgiveness in line with God’s principles, rather than the selfish and dishonest routes often seen in human behavior. Mercy is a vital manifestation of God’s love, and it has the power to transform lives. The key lies in having faith in God’s mercy to comprehend real mercy and recognize when pardon is justifiable.
President Joe Biden and I share a common experience — not in political views, but in the challenge of having sons who can be foolish and come from privileged backgrounds. My son, who is 35, is currently in jail, awaiting transfer to the prison system. I understand President Biden’s actions; if I were in his shoes, I might consider similar decisions. It’s crucial to remain reasonable, passionate and considerate — not solely for my desires but for the greater good of all involved, guided by faith in God and the essence of mercy.
Mercy is fundamental to the Christian faith. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). It allows the guilty to reflect on their decisions and learn from their mistakes, leading to pardon when proper understanding and intent are present.
In my son’s situation, factors like trust, understanding, intent, ability, character and a person’s track record create too many gaps for me to grant a pardon, even if I had the power to do so. Mercy should not stem from blind trust or personal feelings; it must be rooted in the truth of the circumstances. As painful as it is to share this reality, responding gracefully to truth is necessary. Otherwise, many may suffer as victims of one-sided love and greed due to narrow perspectives, which can lead to enabling destructive behavior or fostering a sense of entitlement.
What should I do? I must stand firm in my faith, honoring the motto of our beloved country: “In God we Trust!” Despite my love for my son, my country and God, my decisions must respect the bigger picture of reality, which includes the need for justice, the potential for rehabilitation and the impact on the community.
While my son is in a challenging place, it is where he needs to be to reflect on his actions. Daily conversations help us seek “Goodness” as a path toward retribution and redemption through Christ. This focus and time allow my son to redeem his life through God’s merciful love. If he chooses to move forward, he will find pardon in this life and the eternal goodness God intended for us — a realm where mercy is unnecessary as everyone decides to live according to God’s design of Goodness through Christ.
So, here’s my challenge: Will you trust God’s mercy? Will you extend it to others with wisdom, truth, and grace, allowing His love to transform their hearts and yours? Remember, extending mercy is not just a choice but a responsibility we all share as part of God’s plan for a compassionate and forgiving world where ultimate Love abounds.
Let’s choose mercy — not for our convenience but for His glory.
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Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.