Love, Justice, and Mercy

Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel.  He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children.  The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. [Daniel 6.24]

As I read this today, I felt a sense of justice - a satisfaction that God would not be mocked, a contentment that doing the right thing is always right.

I realize that doing the right thing is not always protected and rewarded as such in this story of Daniel, but does not this story portray such?

Justice is not the antithesis of love.  Justice is the result of love.  God is love.  Justice is the only natural response love is capable of - anything less than justice is not love.

Where then, does mercy fit in?  If mercy can overlook a wrong, why then would Jesus have had to die on behalf of mankind?  What does mercy mean?  Does it have anything to do then with forgiveness?  In the realm of love and justice, does the act of 'asking forgiveness' allow justice to find a temporary fulfilment allowing mercy to be extended?  How also does this work with Jesus?

Father, I have some questions about love, justice, and mercy...  Help me to find Your heart on all these matters!