Merciful, tolerant (7)
I believe the answer is:
lenient
This clue is a double definition.
'merciful' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'tolerant' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)
(Other definitions for lenient that I've seen before include "Light" , "Forgiving, gentle" , "Showing tolerance" , "Not severe, merciful" , "Inclined to let people off lightly" .)