D'var Torah: "You bear misdeeds" (Michah 7:18). This verse reveals a very great attribute of HaShem's supernal compassion. When a person commits a misdeed, a negative force is created. Every living entity requires a life-force to keep it alive. The negative force says to HaShem, "Mr. X created me, how shall I live?" It would be just for Hashem to allow the negative force to take the soul of the person who created it. Thankfully, HaShem, Himself, mercifully sustains the negative force so the person who committed the misdeed can survive and rectify his error. Moreover, when the person who committed the misdeed repents, then HaShem mercifully considers the trials of repentance sufficient to effectively terminate the existence of the negative force.
Moral: HaShem's mercy for man is unbounded! It goes without saying that HaShem, Who is absolute good, has no interest in sustaining evil. Nevertheless, HaShem compassionately bears the negative force created by man's misdeed, so that the person has the opportunity to rectify his inappropriate actions.
Application: Emulate HaShem's compassion by tolerating people's offences. Bear the fall-out caused by the offence, even if it produces lasting repercussions. Mercifully grant others the opportunity to make amends for his inappropriate behaviour. Strengthen your faith and awareness, that just as you show compassion to your offender, so too, HaShem will show great compassion to you and tolerate your indiscretions until they are completely rectified.
(Based on Tomer Devororah of Rav Moshe Cordovero)
