While it is misperceived that the prophetic is ethereal, there is a mercy that is far more mystical and less earthy than the prophetic. The pastor who always looks for the best in people may be operating with a mercy born from false hope. This is sensual and natural and comes from the unredeemed areas of his soul. If he persisted his way would be bent into manipulation and control. This we call witchcraft.
False mercy is no better.
The pastoral person operating in unsanctified mercy simply seems like a nice guy. It neglects the severity of God, the chastening of sons, and yes, even the Scriptural shunning of false brethren. It allows for wolves to enter sheep pens and it shelters sin with a false covering. False mercy is as surely from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil as soulish prophecy. There is nothing good in the natural human heart, including innate goodness.