There are no inherently wicked people, only wicked ideas and people who promote and/or follow them. (And thus, we are all wicked to some degree.)
One of these wicked ideas is that when there is disagreement, the opposition must be wicked.
Another is that we must destroy wicked people.
Put these together and we see why the wicked shun, pursue, and hunt dissenters.
One better idea is that, when there is disagreement, those who oppose our view are people with hopes and dreams and worth just like us. Even if they are promoting wicked and evil idea, they are still people -- children of God.
Another better idea is that we love and care for the well being of those who pursue wickedness.
Put these together and we see why the righteous feel sorrow for the loss of dissenters.
Lest I be misunderstood, I am not making commentary about when war is appropriate. I am simply seeing understanding between the frequent reactions I see played out in scripture.
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