2 Corinthians 2:5-11
5 But if anyone has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not for me, but in some degree—not to say too much—for all of you.
6 Sufficient for such a person is this punishment which was imposed by the majority,
7 so that on the other hand, you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a person might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
9 For to this end I also wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
10 But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
The Forgiveness for Those who Repented
Practicing forgiveness
In the “sorrowful letter” (a letter that is no longer extant), Paul instructed them to discipline the immoral person (the person’s name is not given. This was probably due to Paul’s pastoral consideration. Therefore, we do not know whether this person was the one who committed “incest” mentioned in 1 Corinthians). Paul’s purpose in commanding severe discipline was to test whether the church would be obedient to his teaching and also to restore the immoral person’s soul from destruction. Now Paul had heard that the church had carried out the discipline and that the person had repented (the specific nature of the discipline is not stated). Therefore, Paul urges them to take the next step – that is, to practice forgiveness. (1) The reason they should practice forgiveness is so that the person will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow and be driven to the collapse of his faith. If the discipline is too severe or lasts too long, the person may fall into despair and abandon his faith. (2) Paul himself is also ready to forgive that person together with the church. (3) That forgiveness is forgiveness in the presence of Christ, the Judge. Therefore, the church can receive that forgiveness with confidence.
To avoid being deceived by Satan
Paul says, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (v 11). (1) Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). (2) It is necessary to take a firm stand against sin, but we must not forget the aspect of grace, forgiving those who have repented. (3) Satan’s scheme is to insist only on “strictness toward sin” and to refuse to forgive a person who has repented, no matter how much time passes. By doing so, Satan seeks to destroy that person’s soul. (4) By advocating something good, Satan ultimately accomplishes his own desire. This is one example of how Satan disguises himself as “an angel of light” and deceives Christians. Let us examine whether the discipline carried out in our church is in keeping with its original purpose.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me to take a firm stand against sin and to show a forgiving heart toward repentant sinners. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.