On Pardons
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6)
• • •
This week, President Biden pardoned nearly every person on federal death row, sparking both praise and outrage. For many, the death penalty represents justice—a way to hold people accountable for unspeakable acts of harm. But as people of faith, we are called to wrestle with deeper questions. Does killing to prove that killing is wrong truly bring justice? Can mercy and accountability coexist?
Scripture teaches us again and again that God’s justice is inseparable from mercy. The prophet Micah reminds us to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8) Jesus himself interrupted executions, standing between the crowd and the woman caught in sin, saying, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7) He consistently called us toward forgiveness, restoration, and grace—not vengeance.
As we celebrate this season of Christmas, we remember that Jesus was born into a world of oppression and violence. He, too, was sentenced to death by the state—executed as a criminal on a cross. And yet, his life and death were declarations of mercy. His resurrection reminds us that redemption is always possible, that no one is beyond the reach of grace.
Pope Francis has said, “The death penalty is inadmissible, because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person.” This does not mean we excuse harm or avoid accountability. Instead, it means we recognize that justice is not about destruction but about transformation. To be Christian is to believe in the possibility of redemption—for ourselves and for others.
The decision to pardon those on death row may be hard for some to accept, especially for victims’ families who carry deep grief. But it also invites us to reflect on our own hearts. Are we willing to release the desire for vengeance? Are we brave enough to imagine justice rooted in restoration instead of punishment?
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the Prince of Peace—may we reflect on what it means to embody his love and mercy in our own lives. Let us be peacemakers, agents of grace, and bearers of light in a world that still longs for healing.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How does your faith shape your understanding of justice and mercy?
What does it mean to believe in redemption—for others and for yourself?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Mercy and Justice
God of Mercy,
You came into this world not to condemn it, but to save it.
Teach us to see as You see—
To recognize the sacred worth of every person,
Even those who have caused harm.
Help us to be agents of restoration,
To trust in Your power to redeem,
And to walk humbly in the way of justice and peace.
May this season of light remind us
That no darkness is too deep for Your love to transform.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Reflecting on Mercy
This week, set aside time to reflect on how mercy is showing up in your life.
Begin by thinking about a time when you received mercy—when someone forgave you, offered you a second chance, or showed you grace when you didn’t deserve it. How did it feel? What did it teach you?
Next, consider where you might need to extend mercy in your own life. Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a situation where you could choose compassion over judgment? Write a prayer or journal about your reflections, asking God to guide you in becoming a person of mercy.
Finally, pray for those who have been pardoned and for the victims of violence and their families. Ask for healing, accountability, and peace. Let this practice remind you that mercy and justice are not opposites—they are companions on the path to wholeness.
This Christmas, may we carry the light of Christ into a hurting world, trusting that grace always has the final word.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.