D'var Torah: "HaShem tolerates the sin" (Michah 7:18). This trait is even a more significant level of compassion than the previous quality, "Who is a G-d like You?" For in the trait of "Who is a G-d like You?" HaShem patiently waits for the sinner to repent. However, there is an additional dimension of destructiveness. For there is no sin that man commits in which he does not create a destructive force. The lethal force stands before HaShem and says, "Mr. X created me." There is no existence in this world without the blessing of HaShem. The judgment should be that HaShem says, "I do not sustain destructive forces. Go to the person who made you and take his soul." Thankfully, HaShem does not do this! Instead, HaShem mercifully sustains the sin, just as He sustains the entire world. This claim is what Kayin, who killed his brother, said to HaShem, "You support the whole world. Please sustain my heavy sin until I repent." Therefore, this is a trait of great patience! HaShem compassionately sustains the destructive force that the sinner created until he repents.
Moral: Let a man learn a great lesson from this trait of HaShem. Man needs to bear his friend's sin with compassion. Even if the destructive force exists that he created by sinning against him, let him patiently tolerate it until his friend repairs the damage.
Application: Consider Kayin's plea to HaShem. "You sustain the whole world. Please support my heavy sin until I repent." Imagine HaShem responding with compassionate patience. "Yes, I will support your sin until you repent." Transpose HaShem's kindness and tolerance to your heart and soul. Distribute it mercifully to all of HaShem's creations.
(Tomer Devorah, Rav Moshe Cordovero)
