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 and am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
This punishment by the majority is enough for such a one; so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overwhelming sorrow. So I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.