“He does not hold His wrath forever” (Michah 7).
Even if a person persists in sinning, HaKodesh Baruch Hu does not persist in His anger.
Just the opposite, HaShem nullifies His anger, even if the person does not perform repentance.
For instance, in days of Yeravam ben Yo’ash, Klal Yisrael worshipped idols.
Nevertheless, HaShem had mercy on Klal Yisrael and helped them regain the territory that they had lost in battle.
Why would HaShem show them mercy if they were still worshipping idols?
For the sake of this holy attribute, “He does not hold His wrath forever.”
HaShem mitigates His wrath even though they are still sinning.
He doesn’t punish Klal Yisrael. Instead, He shows them compassion and He is hopeful, “Maybe they will repent.”
HaShem conducts Himself, with “softness and strictness,” all for the benefit of Klal Yisrael.
How do we apply this lesson in our lives?
It is appropriate for us to conduct ourselves with this attribute in our interpersonal relationships.
Even if we have the right to rebuke our friend or our children, we should not rebuke them.
Instead we should annul our irritation, and “not hold our wrath forever.”
Even if the Torah permits us to be wrathful, we should let our anger go. For instance, if you saw your friend commit a sin, and you are a single witness, so you cannot testify against him, you are allowed to “detest” him because of the sin.
Nevertheless, the Torah tells us, “Let it go!” Instead, it is a Mitzvah to bring him close to you in love. Maybe, the gentle approach will succeed!
(Based on Tomer Devorah, Chapter One)
