Justice And Mercy In A Dangerous World

Hard choices reveal what we really believe about mercy and justice. We open with gratitude and prayer, then face a fraught question: when cartel boats are hit and survivors remain at large, does standing down serve compassion—or does it abandon the people those cartels exploit? I share why protecting the vulnerable means drawing firm lines against predatory actors, and why sentimental optics aren’t the same as moral courage.

We ground the conversation in Scripture. Colossians 3 clarifies roles and responsibility in the home, pushing back on advice that undermines family strength. Matthew 12 reframes mercy: Jesus heals on the Sabbath and proclaims justice to the nations, showing that mercy is action that restores life, not a loophole for harm. We also sit with Psalms and Proverbs on integrity, promises kept when it hurts, and the safety that flows from common sense and discernment. A brief Medal of Honor spotlight on Thomas Boyne reminds us that quiet courage sustains communities more than slogans ever will.

History speaks, too. Founding-era judges addressed the condemned with stark honesty about guilt, repentance, and hope. Their words hold a balance we’ve lost: uphold justice to protect the innocent, invite mercy for the repentant, and never confuse compassion with permissiveness. I apply that lens to modern policy debates and to leadership that refuses armchair moralizing. The throughline is simple and demanding—real love protects, real mercy tells the truth, and real justice shields the weak.

If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Your thoughts matter—send a note, drop a comment, and tell me where you think mercy should end and justice should begin.

Transcript

Welcome, Prayer, And Intent

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hey folks, this is Jesse Cope, back with another episode of the American Soul Podcast. Hope y'all are doing well, wherever y'all are, and whatever part of the day you're in. Sure do appreciate you joining me, giving me a little bit of your day, some of your time. I will try and use it wisely. For those of y'all who continue to share the podcast with others and tell others about it, thank you. For those of y'all who continue to pray for me and for the podcast, thank you.

SPEAKER_01 0:31

Very grateful for your prayers, need them and want them. Father, thank you for today. Thank you for you, Father, and your son Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your love and your mercy, your grace, and your forgiveness of sin. Through the merit of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for the time to record this podcast and the people that listen to it. Please be with them. Be with their families. Surround them with your angels. Protect us all from evil of any kind.

SPEAKER_00 1:07

Draw the brokenhearted close to you, Father.

Cartel Strikes And Moral Debate

SPEAKER_01 1:12

Heal those with injury or illness. Be with those who feel anxious, depressed, alone. Comfort them, please. Be with our leaders. Give them wisdom and courage. Patience and humility. Help them to rule and lead in fear of you, Father. Not in fear of men or women. Guide our steps. Help us to truly care for the widow and the orphan, the poor and the needy. With actions, not merely words. Be with our military, firefighters, law enforcement, EMS. Comfort them. Protect them. Give them wisdom and courage and a strong faith. Bring them home safe to their families. Defend them from evil. As they defend us. Guide our steps, Lord, please. And guide my words here. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen. So over the last few months, we've been getting these reports about the drug cartel boats that have been hit by our military in the Caribbean, Pacific, different areas, right?

SPEAKER_00 3:06

And this isn't new information, but I was listening to a recent article from the Epic Times, and they were talking about the reaction of one of the senators or representatives at the federal level.

SPEAKER_01 3:26

And their concern about the fact that we came back and hit again two men that were still alive after the first strike. Right. And if you're really interested, you can go find the political persuasion of this particular individual. I think the the comment's pretty available.

SPEAKER_00 4:00

But the problem with that attitude, folks, is it sounds nice on the outside. Oh, you know, these people they got hit and they they survived and they're out there swimming in the ocean, and then we come back and we shoot these defenseless people.

SPEAKER_01 4:17

But as with so much on the left, it is illogical and misplaced at best.

SPEAKER_00 4:30

Because what happens if those men survive and they swim to shore or somebody picks them up? Do you think they're suddenly going to change their attitude?

SPEAKER_01 4:42

Or do you think that they're going to learn from the tactics and the survival and become even more dangerous? The second is reality. The first is fantasy.

SPEAKER_00 5:02

Not to mention the fact that folks, if you've stepped on a ship carrying drugs into the United States, or humans if you're trafficking them, you just gave up your rights as a private citizen and you became an enemy combatant.

SPEAKER_01 5:22

We didn't ask for this.

SPEAKER_00 5:25

You can make a lot of arguments about the United States citizens that use drugs, and rightfully so. They are a huge part of the problem.

SPEAKER_01 5:33

If there wasn't a demand, right, there wouldn't be a product. But the bottom line is these people willingly hurt men, women, and children to make a profit. Get them addicted to drugs, sell them into slavery, sex trade, human trafficking in general, threaten, extortion.

SPEAKER_00 5:59

These are not, by any stretch of the imagination, good people. And we have a responsibility you talk about. You hear people talk about God's mercy a lot today. But you don't hear people talk about justice. And if if you don't have a just God, there's no reason for mercy. If God isn't just, we have no reason for Jesus Christ because we can pay our own way.

SPEAKER_01 6:26

God's just going to give everybody a free pass. You don't need Jesus Christ. We're going to talk about this more, tie this into some historical quotes in the podcast in a little bit.

Marriage Roles In Scripture

SPEAKER_00 6:44

Marriage verse for today, one Colossians, sorry, Colossians 3, starting with verse 18. Wives be subject to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. I usually throw in the next couple here. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Again, and again, folks, if you're taking marriage advice from anybody, you need to make sure that it lines up with these scriptures that we read. They're not confusing. It's not hard to figure out. There's no gray area. It's very clear what the roles for men and women are in marriage. So not that there aren't some great marriage counselors out there, folks, but just make sure whoever you're taking advice from, whether it's professional counselors, parents, friends, right? I would say especially friends, they're dangerous. Make sure that their advice lines up with God's commands. Scripture for today, we're going to start with Matthew 12, verse 1. Hey, before I start this, I hope this will entertain some of y'all a little bit. So we have birds, chickens, guineas, etc. And I threw out some scraps this morning. And those scraps, of course, for whatever reason today, they had some chocolate in it. It was some leftover muffins and some other stuff. And our youngest dog is just insistent upon going out there and eating this stuff now. Like more so than ever, of course, when there's chocolate in the mix. And I've already thrown it out and it's all over the place. And I think the birds are cleaning up most of it.

SPEAKER_01 8:34

But why of all the days when there's chocolate in it? I just anyway, hopefully that I'm sure some of y'all understand. That just kind of, it's like it's a it's puffy mentality. Kind of like, well, I'll leave that alone.

Farm Anecdote And Transition

Matthew 12: Mercy And The Sabbath

SPEAKER_00 8:57

Matthew 12, verses 1 through 21. At about that time, Jesus was walking through some grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested. Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath. Jesus said to them, Haven't you read in the scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven't you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you there is one here who is even greater than the temple. But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this scripture. I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For the Son of Man is Lord even over the Sabbath. Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath? They were hoping he would say yes so they could bring charges against him. And he answered, If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep? Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath. Then he said to the man, Hold out your hand. So the man held out his hand and it was restored just like the other one. Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left the area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to reveal who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him. Look at my servant whom I have chosen. He is my beloved who pleases me. I will put my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed, or put out a flickering candle. Finally, he will cause justice to be victorious, and his name will be the hope of all the world. Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts, those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors, or speak evil of their friends, those who despise flagrant sinners and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts, those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Proverbs three verse twenty one through twenty six. My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear. You will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security.

SPEAKER_01 12:42

He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

SPEAKER_00 12:52

Medal of Honor for today is Thomas Bone or Boyne Sergeant Indian Campaigns, Charlie Company, ninth U.S. Cavalry, US Army, september twenty seventh, eighteen seventy nine Chichillo Negro River and Mimbrus Mountains, New Mexico, bravery and action. Accredited to Norfolk, Virginia, not awarded posthumously, presented january sixth, eighteen eighty two, born eighteen forty nine, Prince George County, Maryland, died april twenty first, eighteen ninety six, Washington, District of Columbia, buried Soldiers Home National Cemetery, J Tac five eight five nine, Washington, District of Columbia.

Psalms And Proverbs On Integrity

SPEAKER_01 13:48

Thomas it's B O Y N E, however you pronounce that. Again, you definitely know there's more to this citation than simply bravery and action. So we go back to the opening little monologue.

SPEAKER_00 14:14

Justice and mercy. If God isn't just, then we don't have any reason for mercy, any need for mercy. Right? And the only way to survive God's justice is with God's mercy, right?

SPEAKER_01 14:29

It's kind of it's a dynamic where the two are intention.

Medal Of Honor: Thomas Boyne

Founding-Era Judges On Repentance

SPEAKER_00 14:36

Maybe that's a good way to say it. So I want to go back and read a few comments from judges. This is 1778 John Roberts, uh guilty of treason, sentenced to death by a jury. The judge was declaration signer Thomas McKean. And this is what he told the defendant, among other things. You will probably have but a short time to live. Before you launch into eternity, it behooves you to improve the time that may be allowed you in this world. It behooves you most seriously to reflect upon your past conduct, to repent of your evil deeds, to be incessant in prayers, to the great and merciful God to forgive your manifold transgressions and sins, to teach you to rely upon the merit and passion of a dear redeemer, and thereby to avoid those regions of sorrow, those doleful shades where peace and rest can never dwell, where even hope cannot enter. It behooves you to seek the fellowship, advice, and prayers of pious and good men, and may you be qualified to enter into the joys of heaven, joys unspeakable and full of glory. seventeen ninety seven murder trial in Pennsylvania Jacob Rush, who was the brother of Benjamin Rush, one of our illustrious founding fathers, and this was his commentary to that defendant. As you have but a short time to live in this world, and there is no hope of pardon from any earthly hand, let me urge you to seek a pardon from above. It is the consolation of the wretched and the guilty that God is infinitely merciful, not to him who continues in the practice of sin, but to him only who repents and utterly forsakes it. You have not a moment to lose. Exert yourself, and if you have never prayed before, strive to pray now for the first time. For prayer is the very breath of heaven, and without it there is no religion, no repentance, no pardon on earth. And who knows, but through the blessing of God on your endeavors you may be presented without spot or blemish before the throne of the Lamb, and shine hereafter among the spirits of just men made perfect in the realms of ineffable glory and felicity. 1812, Samuel Tully and John Dalton were found guilty of treason and piracy.

SPEAKER_01 17:32

They were sentenced to death, and it was Justice Joseph Story, who was the judge over the case. We've talked about him often. I didn't know this.

Applying Justice And Mercy To Cartels

SPEAKER_00 17:46

This is a little bit out of the founder's Bible. I haven't talked about these because for the last couple months we haven't used them really, but if you don't have a copy of the Patriots Bible by Dr. Richard Lee, the Founders Bible by uh David Barton and the Wall Builders Association, and America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotes by William Federer, I highly recommend hard copies. Those should all be primary textbooks in our classrooms. And you can find this information in other places, folks, but they put it all kind of together in one place where you can go through and look at it, which is great. His father, Justice Justice Chief, or Supreme Court Justice Joseph, sorry. I'll get it right in a minute. His father was one of the Indians, quote unquote, at the Boston Tea Party. At any rate, this was his commentary to the two men condemned of treason and sentenced to death. Think, oh think, after what has happened, how you can appear before that dread tribunal and that omnipotent judge, who searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of all men. From his sentence there is no appeal, and before him you must soon appear to render an account of all the deeds done in the body. Let me entreat you, tenderly and earnestly entreat you, as dying sinners, to turn from your wicked thoughts, to ponder on the errors of your ways, and with penitence and humiliation to seek the altars of our holy religion. Let me entreat you to pray for mercy and forgiveness from the righteous from that righteous God, whom you have so justly offended. The time perhaps may not be too late. The glory of Christianity may yet brighten your declining days. I recommend you to the mercy of Almighty God, before whom we shall all one day appear.

SPEAKER_01 19:47

There's some more in this little section, it's a great little section, but I think that ties into the beginning.

SPEAKER_00 19:54

So you think about these men, these drug cartel. And the first missile or shots from the guns on board these helicopters didn't get them. The second one did. And you hear people say, oh, that's, you know, they were defenseless, et cetera, et cetera. And that sounds laudable at face value, but it's not. Because what you're doing is you're really saying, we're going to give these men another chance to go back and rape and pillage and plunder. We're going to give these men another chance to go back and destroy more women and children and men.

SPEAKER_01 20:35

That's not justice, folks, and it's certainly not merciful to those who are addicted to drugs, to those women and children and men who are sold into slavery by the drug cartels. You abandon both justice and mercy. That decision, those men made that decision when they decided to join a drug cartel and do whatever they could to hurt the poor and the needy, the weak and the orphaned in the least of these. And it it is shameful that we have people who are called leaders, definitely not acting like leaders, who are more concerned, are willing to abandon the poor and the needy, the widow and the orphan, to evil men and women to pretend at being kind and caring.

SPEAKER_00 21:44

Not to mention the whole armchair quarterback scenario of a politician sitting in Washington, D.C., going out and eating and drinking every night that wants to tell operators how they should or shouldn't execute their mission of protecting Americans once that order has been given.

SPEAKER_01 22:10

One more thing.

Promises, Sin, And Moral Courage

SPEAKER_00 22:21

Talking about who can worship in the sanctuary of the Lord, who can enter his presence, his holy hill, right? Those who despise fra flagrant sinners and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts.

SPEAKER_01 22:43

For whatever reason, folks, there's a difference between a person sinning and a person flagrantly sinning.

Book Plug, Donations, And YouTube

God And State In Early Courts

SPEAKER_00 22:53

Right? We're all sinners. And there's a difference between keeping a promise that's easy to keep and keeping a promise that hurts a little bit or a lot. If you are looking for a family-friendly middle grade read, along the lines of Narnia, Percy Jackson, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, hopefully I've done a decent job of putting God's principles, the principles of Jesus Christ, at least at least trying to point that way a little bit. If you would check out the Countryside series and if you enjoy it, you or your kids, grandkids, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that. And if you feel like you're getting something out of the podcast, the marriage verses, scripture, medal of honor citations, et cetera, or the American heritage history ties us back to God. If you have five or ten dollars a month that you can donate to the podcast, I would be very grateful for that as well. There's a link down at the bottom of the show notes where you can set that up. Also, if you'd rather listen to the podcast on YouTube, we're putting putting it there now, or you know somebody that would. And that reminds me, I didn't say this, but those, if you go back and you listen to those comments by the judges, folks. We had God and Jesus Christ in the center of our courtrooms. There was no separation of God and state like we have today. It was never intended to be that way. Those men were quoting multiple verses out of the Bible talking to these defendants, these criminals. The idea of separation of God and state is such a joke. It's laughable once you start to really read through history.

SPEAKER_01 24:43

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

SPEAKER_00 24:46

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not to temptation, but deliver us from evil. Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. God bless y'all. God bless your families, your marriages if you're married. God bless your nation, wherever you are around the world. Listening. God bless America. We'll talk to y'all again real soon, folks. Looking forward to it.