Thematic Bible: To backsliders
Thematic Bible
Mercy » Should be shown » To backsliders
I will get up and go to my father, and say to him "Father, I sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer fit to be called your son; make me one of your hired servants."' And he got up and went to his father. But, while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was deeply moved; he ran and threw his arms round his neck and kissed him.
The man to whom I refer has been sufficiently punished by the penalty inflicted by the majority of you; So that now you must take the opposite course, and forgive and encourage him, or else he may be overwhelmed by the intensity of his pain. So I entreat you to assure him of your love.