Thematic Bible: To backsliders
Thematic Bible
Mercy » Should be shown » To backsliders
I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him.
the punishment, which was inflicted by the community, is sufficient on this occasion. so that now you ought rather to forgive, and comfort him, for fear he should be overwhelm'd by an excess of sorrow. wherefore, pray, convince him of your affection to him: