Thematic Bible: To backsliders
Thematic Bible
Mercy » Should be shown » To backsliders
After rising, I will go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight. I am no more worthy to be called thy son. Make me as one of thy hired men. And having risen, he went to his father. But while he was still distant, afar off, his father saw him and felt compassion. And having ran, he fell on his neck, and kissed him much.
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment by the many, so that instead, for you rather to forgive and encourage, lest perhaps such a man would be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I beseech you to affirm love for him.