it was by that mercy of allah that you dealt so leniently with them. had you been harsh and hardhearted they would have surely deserted you. therefore pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. take counsel with them in the matter and when you are resolved put your trust in allah. allah loves those who trust.
فبما رحمة من الله لنت لهم ولو كنت فظا غليظ القلب لانفضوا من حولك فاعف عنهم واستغفر لهم وشاورهم في الأمر فإذا عزمت فتوكل على الله إن الله يحب المتوكلين