Edited clue — firm but forgiving (8)
I believe the answer is:
merciful
'forgiving' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'edited clue firm' is the wordplay.
'edited' indicates anagramming the letters.
'clue'+'firm'='cluefirm'
'cluefirm' is an anagram of 'MERCIFUL'.
'but' is the link.
(Other definitions for merciful that I've seen before include "Kind" , "Clement - forbearing" , "Humane" , "Compassionate, forgiving" , "Being disposed to show clemency" .)