I could not agree more when Portia mentioned in 'The Merchant of Venice that the quality of mercy is twice blest. Mercy is not just about sparing the punishment of a culprit, it definitely represents more than that. Mercy takes a lot of courage as it is very difficult to repay someone's evil deeds with kindness. Mercy is a step taken to forgiveness. (A huge step acually) Both parties will benefit from mercy as the culprit will be spared from punishment, while the victim was able to move on in life.
Mercy arise from the good of the heart. It spares the one at fault from punishment and gives them the chance to change for the better. Mercy is unlike justice, which is rigid an intolerant, as it is about sparing punishment while justice is about executing punishment to the people at fault. Mercy takes into the account of mitigating circumstances, which is why I feel that giving mercy is more noble than upholding justice. It is lives that are being punished and it will indeed harm the people. Mercy is the softer approach for change. If the world is merciful, people will grow more self-conscientous about their behavior and will continuously reflect upon their mistakes.
Mercy is a baby step to peace. Even though it is just a little contribution, it teaches others to monitor their own character because they have been given a second chance to make up for the mistakes they have committed