In not withholding mercy when it is called for, in recognizing true contrition, in recognizing mitigating factors

The church can fall off either side of this horse. The tendency is to be too severe with the weak and too lenient with the strong.

Jesus had certain words for various individuals and groups, both before and after his death and resurrection.

Processing the obedience we’re call to in any given difficult situation is not disobedience. We may be called to do one or more things at once, too. Obedience is sometimes multi-faceted, especially in a fluid situation.

Processing obedience is not ipso facto disobedience.

I think it’d be unrealistic to assume that this was the first and only time.

Whatever is not of you, O God, whether inside or outside the church, will not last. Moreover, it will come to nothing. For Christ has overcome the world. Help us to take heart in this. Help us to be comforted in this.

The softening of Joseph's heart was not in isolation of the contrition of his brothers. Even the "good" that Joseph saw helped him to offer forgiveness. What if Joseph saw no good in it? What if his brothers weren't contrite? Not to take anything away from his mercifulness.

The Fall was the onset of Individualism.

Genesis 4:9 - Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Even self help books recommend community, but the gospel is to provide community.