Seems like diametrically opposed commands doesn't it?

‘Execute true justice,     Show mercy and compassion…"

How do you do that exactly?  Aren't those two commands diametrically opposed? 

Zechariah 7:8-9(NKJV)

Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 

“Thus says the Lord of hosts:      ‘Execute true justice,     Show mercy and compassion     Everyone to his brother.

Justice

1. the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness:

to uphold the justice of a cause.

2. rightfulness or lawfulness, as of a claim or title; justness of ground or reason:

to complain with justice.

3. the moral principle determining just conduct.
4. conformity to this principle, as manifested in conduct; just conduct, dealing, or treatment.
5. the administering of deserved punishment or reward.
6. the maintenance or administration of what is just by law, as by judicial or other proceedings:

a court of justice.

7. judgment of persons or causes by judicial process:

to administer justice in a community.

From <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/justice>

So it would seem to me that if one is to execute "true justice" one would need to stick to the principals of justice as set forth in the definition.

mercy

1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence:

Have mercy on the poor sinner.

2. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing:

an adversary wholly without mercy.

3. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.
4. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor:

She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.

5. something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing:

It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened.

From <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/mercy?s=ts>

compassion

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

From <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/compassion>

Here is my take on it.  Justice is the guiding principal.  The way I reach that conclusion is that we even explain the need for Jesus as our Savior as part of God's absolute fealty to the principal of justice.  A blood price had to be paid.  In the past it was the blood of animals who paid it.  And then Jesus came along and paid the price for all who choose to follow Him.
 

But then those who are aggrieved or those who are tasked with administering justice are given the ability to apply mercy and compassion in cases that they feel it is warranted to reach true justice. 

For example people who commit crimes while they are mentally ill are guilty of the crimes but they are not held accountable for their actions because of their mental illness.  Does that mean that they get out of punishment all together?  Not necessarily.   It may just mean that instead of going to jail they go to a mental institution where they are locked up as if they are in jail but they can get treatment.

I think the danger here in trying to fulfill both commands is the mistaken belief that people should always receive mercy and compassion.  That they should never be held accountable to justice because you know, it just wasn't their fault….time after time after time.  We see that in our revolving door criminal justice system. 

Justice comes in many forms.  Here is an example.  People who don't bother to graduate from high school and then complain about how unfair life is because they are poor.  No, life isn't unfair.  That is justice in action.  You failed to prepare yourself to succeed and now you are paying the price for those decisions.  Justice! 

Many seem to think that it is compassionate to tell people in a situation like this, "there, there, it isn't your fault" when it clearly is.

So while we should always look for ways to be merciful and compassionate I think we also should be well aware that in many cases the most merciful and compassionate thing we can do for people is let them face true justice head on! 

Make sense?