Thematic Bible: To backsliders
Thematic Bible
Mercy » Should be shown » To backsliders
I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion for him, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.