So it is due to the mercy of Allah that you are soft (hearted) with them and had you been stern, hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you, so pardon them and ask for protective forgiveness for them and consult them in the affair, but when you are determined then put your trust in Allah, Allah certainly loves those who put their trust (in Him).
“People normally do not come near those who are stern and hard hearted. Therefore for the propagation of the message of Allah (SWT) one has to be soft hearted so as to attract people, pray for their forgiveness and consult them to develop confidence in them. But when a decision is taken one should put his trust in Allah (SWT) and act because if He helps no one can overcome and if He forsakes no one can help.”