"Speak unto the priests, the sons of Aaron, saying to them..." [Vayikrah 21.1]

Rav Brachya in the name of Rav Levi said: "This is comparable to an Israelite (non-priest) and a Kohain who became ill. They were assigned a physician and [the physician] tended to the Israelite and ignored the Kohain. The Kohain said to him: Why do you ten to the Israelite but ignore me? [The physician] repliers: He is an Israelite and it is his way to walk among the graces [and thereby make his condition more severe]. But you are a Kohain and it is not your way to walk among the graves. Therefore I treat him, and leave you alone. The same is true for the heavenly ones (angels) who have no evil inclination and for whom a single reminder is sufficient. But the earthly ones (mortals), who have an evil inclination, require multiple reminders.
[Vayikrah Rabbah 26.5]

People often do not change their ways after a single lesson or reminder. Human nature is complex and often resists change.In addition, our personal interests and motivations govern our behavior, rendering the process of learning and change difficult in contrast to the heavenly beings for whom a single reminder suffices. Human nature is complex and often resists change.

This lesson has relevance on many levels of interpersonal relations, be they between husband and wife, teacher and pupil, or parent and child. A single statement, instruction, or command is often not enough to convince or console another person. We are not angels. Gentle repitition, rather than harsh scolding or coercion, is the path to influence and change.

This is also true on a communal and social level. The religious community often feels estranged from society at large, for whom the Torah way of life is alien. This sense of alienation can lead to ugly confrontation. Yet even if our claims seem justified, confrontation is not the path to influence.

Patience and tolerance are needed for lasting change. We must never surrender our moral obligation to influence others, but must fulfill it gently, even if it requires multiple efforts. In this way we will draw near those who have grown distant, making true the Divine promise. (Isaiah 11.9) "and the land will be filled with wisdom."