Mercy offered without wisdom can create another victim.

Leniency has consequences too, and they often land on people not in the room. Releasing someone from accountability without understanding whether the harm will repeat can leave the next person exposed, and the generosity feels good precisely because its cost is paid elsewhere. Kindness needs to look downstream to stay kind.

Before extending another chance, ask who bears the risk if you are wrong. If it is you, that is your call to make. If it is someone else, they deserve at least to be part of the decision.