2 Corinthians 2 -- Healing, Cleansing, and Forgiveness In Church Problems

My commentary said:

"One of the members of the Corinthian church caused Paul a great deal of pain.  We are not sure if this is ... someone who publicly challenged Paul's apostolic authority.  Paul made a quick visit to deal with the problem... In all of this, he revealed a compassionate heart."  Here are the evidences of Paul's love:

#1 Love puts others first.  "He did not think of his own feelings ... His great desire was that the church might obey the Word, discipline the offender, and bring purity and peace to the congregation ... Paul knew that his words would wound those he loved ... But he also knew that there is a big difference between hurting someone and harming him."

"Paul could have exercised his apostolic authority and commanded the people to respect him and obey him; but he preferred to minister with patience and love.  God knew Paul's change of plans had as its motive the sparing of the church from further pain.  Love always considers the feelings of others and seeks to put their good ahead of everything else."

#2  Love also seeks to help others grow.  "True discipline is an evidence of love.  'Peace at any price' is not a biblical principle ... Problems that are swept under the rug have a way of multiplying and creating even worse problems later on."

#3  Love forgives and encourages.  "Paul urged the church family to forgive the man and he gave solid reasons to back up the admonition.  To begin with, they were to forgive him for his own sake ... Forgiveness is the medicine that helps to heal broken hearts.  It is important that the church assure the repentant sinner of their love ... When a church family assures a forgiven brother or sister that the sin is forgotten and the fellowship restored, there is a sense of the Lord's presence that is wonderful to experience ... Discipline without assurance of love and forgiveness does more harm than good."

"They should confirm their love to the forgiven brother for the Lord's sake ... The problem was not simply between a sinning brother and a grieving apostle:  it was also between a sinning brother and a grieving Savior ... when timid church leaders try to whitewash situations instead of facing them honestly, they are grieving the heart of the Lord."

"They must forgive the offender for the church's sake ... When there is an unforgiving spirit in a congregation because sin has not been dealt with in a biblical manner, it gives Satan a beachhead from which he can operate in the congregation.  One of Satan's devices is to accuse believers who have sinned so that they feel their case is hopeless... The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so that we will confess it and turn to Christ for cleansing; but Satan accuses us of sin, so that we will despair and give up.  When an offending brother or sister is disciplined according to the Bible and repents, then the church family must forgive and restore the member, and the matter must be forgotten and never brought up again.  If the church family -- or any person in the family -- carries an unforgiving spirit, then Satan will use that attitude as a beachhead for new assaults against the church."

"Paul was sure that God was leading him.  He was also sure that God was leading him in triumph.  Paul was sure that God was using him as He was leading him ... Some might misunderstand him, but God knew his heart."

Father, please bring understanding and forgiveness, and even forgetfulness, to the members of our church.  Help us to do what You showed Paul to do here.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford