Read 2 Corinthians 2:1–11
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have
forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in
the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not
outwit us.
2 Corinthians 2:10–11
One of the members of the Corinthian church caused Paul a great
deal of pain. We are not sure if this is the same man Paul wrote about
in 1 Corinthians 5 or if it was another person. Paul had made a quick
visit to Corinth to deal with this problem (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1) and
had also written a painful letter to the church about the situation.
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. Love always considers the feelings of others
and seeks to put their good ahead of everything else.
When I was a child, I didn’t always appreciate the punishment
that my parents gave me. But now that I look back, I can thank God
that they loved me enough to discipline me. Now I understand what
they really meant when they said, “This hurts us more than it hurts
you.”
Something to Ponder
When people offend you, are you quick to reveal a compassionate
heart? If not, what is your usual course of action?