MERCY FOR MASS MURDERERS?
Acts 9:13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard… about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people.”
Acts 9:1-17
Andrew, a Christian solicitor, faced a dilemma. He had been asked to represent a universally-hated mass murderer imprisoned for over two decades, who now claimed she was reformed and had become a Christian and wanted to petition for parole. Her name was Myra Hindley.
After some soul-searching, Andrew agreed, motivated by his faith. For him, it was about providing her right to advocacy, while letting the judge make the call. He didn’t in any way excuse her abhorrent crimes but sought a fair application of the law. Consequently, he received attacks, alienation from his extended family, and death threats.
Dealing with dangerous offenders requires great discernment. Yet sometimes God calls us to ask for mercy for people who really don’t deserve it. When Ananias was called by Jesus to help Saul, a cruel mass-murderer who persecuted Christians, he protested because of “all the harm [Saul] has done to your holy people” (Acts 9:13). But Jesus explained that Saul would “proclaim” and “suffer for my name” (vv. 15-16). Ananias had to overcome his fears, risk rejection from his own community and surrender all desire for revenge. But he was obedient to God. “Brother Saul”, he called him (v. 17).
Hindley died in prison, and who knows whether her conversion was sincere or a cynical ploy for release? Nevertheless, as people who receive God’s mercy, it is a beautiful thing to be merciful when God calls us.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are both perfectly just and perfectly merciful. When I am called to show mercy, give me Your strength.
