He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also subject to weakness. Hebrews 5:2 HCSB
When our granddaughter, Ella Grace, comes to visit she enjoys petting our cocker spaniel. Ella Grace will soon be two and is still learning how to be gentle with the dog. She can sometimes grab or pet too hard, so we have to remind her, “Be gentle.”
This verse is referring back to verse one and refers to the high priest being gentle and forgiving with those who have sinned. The high priest is human, just like the person who is coming to repent of his sins. He is subject to weaknesses and makes mistakes. Because he is human, he faces the same temptations that others face. Therefore, because he understands, he is gentle with the person and is more sympathetic. The word “ignorant” refers to someone who does not know right from wrong and has gone astray.
Challenge: Are you gentle with those who have done wrong? Are you willing to forgive those who have hurt you in some way? Because God has forgiven you, in turn you should be gentle and forgive others.