You can test whether people are really merciful or fearful cowards scared of their own sin, scared of others who are also protective of their dearly beloved sin, by telling them about the wrong things you see in the world. If they don't get mad like John the Baptist and Jesus, it's an evidence that you're not talking to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Because either you are everything He tells on the sermon on the mount or you are nothing.
I have never seen a "merciful" person that had enemies, for the prophets were not persecuted staying silent and praying for the world.
