There is a well-known story in the Gemara connected to Lag Ba’omer, that the students of Rabbi Akiva died because they did not treat each other respectfully, and on Lag Ba’omer they stopped dying. As with all stories in the Torah, they are Torah and their purpose is to give us an instruction. This story about the students of Rabbi Akiva holds a lesson for each Jewish person, especially students. ... The story of the Gemara teaches us how we must conduct ourselves toward each person. . .. It is necessary for each person to look at all those who keep Torah and mitzvos with a positive eye, even if his path is a different one; since he is also an oved Hashem, the only difference between them is that this one serves with ahavas Hashem, and that one serves with Yiras Hashem, and so forth. … Another lesson in the above story applies even when we meet a person who has not yet reached the level of serving Hashem as he should. He should also be treated respectfully, in accordance with the instruction of our Sages of blessed memory in the Mishnah "Judge each person favorably”, especially when it is possible that the insufficiency [in his service] is not his fault, but that he did not have the opportunity to be educated in the ways of Torah and mitzvos for reasons entirely beyond his control. ... As a matter of fact, one should have even greater compassion toward him and make a greater effort to help him to grow in Yiddishkeit. The help must be in the best possible manner, out of love and respect, and in a peaceful manner. (Likkutei Sichos, vol. 7, pp. 341-343) | 
