Too many people are sloppy with their language. They carelessly toss around words like “forgiveness” and “mercy” without contemplating their meanings.

For example: I get the feeling that most people who preach forgiveness have never encountered the kind of evil that seems unforgivable, let alone committed the same. Likewise, most people who pay lip service to mercy don’t seem to be in the position of strength required to actually grant it.

To be clear: You can and should forgive an enemy without surrendering to him. You cannot possibly show him mercy until he is defeated.