Power to Forgive:
Satan Might Outwit Us!

Scripture Reading:  2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

The member of the church was caught in an immoral relationship.  It wasn’t long until everyone knew about this horrible sin.  The biggest problem for the church was that this man was not repentant.  He had so compartmentalized that he continued being an active part of the church and still maintained the immoral relationship.  What was the church to do?  They decided it was easier to do nothing.

In the middle of this mess steps the Apostle Paul.  Our scripture today is in reference to the Corinthian church and this man.  The apostle’s first letter to the Corinthians introduces us to this situation.  You can read details in 1 Corinthians 5.  The apostle’s command to the church leadership was to expel this man from the church.  Remember, this action was not because he sinned, but because he refused to acknowledge it as sinful and repent.  Paul’s advice had a purpose: to expel him hoping he would then realize his sin and desire to get back into a right relationship with God and His church.

In our scripture for today, we see the cycle of discipline completed: forgiveness.  They were to forgive him and comfort him in order to fully restore him to the fellowship of God’s people!  We never are to be unforgiving, but that does not mean we overlook sin.  Sin must be dealt with and its consequences must be felt.  Forgiveness must never be an excuse for compromise!

Father, grant me discernment to challenge sinful behavior in myself and others but still remain forgiving.   In Jesus’ Name, Amen.