Justice vs. Mercy?

I've often heard in church about the conflict between justice and mercy, and how Christ reconciled them.  But as I was reading through sacrament hymns today I noticed the phrase "where justice love and mercy meet" and realized a very important thing.  Without love, there really isn't justice or mercy.  I was reminded of first Corinthians thirteen:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

And I thought to myself that without charity, justice becomes cruel sternness and mercy becomes callousness.  But if both are extended with the pure love of Christ, they can work together for our good.