2 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. 3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
Tori's Comments:
That even when confrontation with a brother or sister is necessary, forgiveness and the love felt by the wrongdoer is still emphasized is amazing. "reaffirm your love for him".
"we are familiar with his evil schemes" as in that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy?
That even when confrontation with a brother or sister is necessary, forgiveness and the love felt by the wrongdoer is still emphasized is amazing. "reaffirm your love for him".
"we are familiar with his evil schemes" as in that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy?
Terrie's Comments:
This man that is being referred to was the same man talked about in 1 Corinthians who was involved sexually with his mother in law openly. Paul had told them how to deal with him in his first letter and now that he had been dealt with Paul shows how to reconcile him to the church. God's heart is always for relationships. Jesus died to have an open relationship with us without barriers. Reconciliation is important once sin is dealt with and people turn away from their sin it is important to move on to forgive and comfort that person and welcome them full-heartedly back into the body so they don't become discouraged. We also do this so Satan has no room to work in the body of Christ! The last sentence is interesting... For we are familiar with his evil schemes... If we know the word of God and are led by the Holy Spirit who is in our hearts we should be. He is not that smart.
This man that is being referred to was the same man talked about in 1 Corinthians who was involved sexually with his mother in law openly. Paul had told them how to deal with him in his first letter and now that he had been dealt with Paul shows how to reconcile him to the church. God's heart is always for relationships. Jesus died to have an open relationship with us without barriers. Reconciliation is important once sin is dealt with and people turn away from their sin it is important to move on to forgive and comfort that person and welcome them full-heartedly back into the body so they don't become discouraged. We also do this so Satan has no room to work in the body of Christ! The last sentence is interesting... For we are familiar with his evil schemes... If we know the word of God and are led by the Holy Spirit who is in our hearts we should be. He is not that smart.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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