¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned^(A) against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.^(B)

⁶ The punishment^(A) inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. ⁷ Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him,^(B) so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.