...to direct them... I have explained elsewhere how the seven lower Sefirot are governed in all aspects through the first three Sefirot (see Klaley Kin’at HaShem Tzeva’ot #11, Daat Tevunot p. 332ff). If so, the first three also contain Kindness, Judgment and Mercy in order to complete the governmental order and allow each part to rule as needed (and thus the upper three Sefirot correspond to Kindness, Judgment and Mercy).
...and repair them. For when they shine over the seven lower Sefirot, this immediately brings them to a greater state of repair and gives them greater status purely by virtue of the fact that they come under their influence. However, if the three upper Sefirot leave, the many flaws rooted in the intrinsic nature of the lower seven function by default. (But when they are under the influence of the upper three, their intrinsic flaws become inoperative.)