for such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [2 corinthians 2:6-7]
excessive sorrow.
sorrow: a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others.
excessive: more than is necessary, normal, or desirable.
we’ve all had this feeling. it’s not a feeling we long for or even wish for others. as the cliche goes, we wouldn’t even wish it upon our enemies. and, this is why paul uses this language that is showing how desperately “the sinner” he is talking about will feel under the weight of unforgiveness. notice though, paul does not tell whether this person is repentant or not, he just calls this party “anyone who has caused pain” (2 cor 2:5).
“everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (luke 12:48)
this is why the corinthians can forgive. no matter if the offender is repentant or not, because the corinthians have an identity as completely forgiven in Christ they are required and able to forgive even those who are unrepentant.
here are some of the commands of forgiveness:
“so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him.” (2 cor 2:7)
“brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” (gal 6:1)
“be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (col 4:32)
these are not impossible, in fact in Christ they are overly possible because we have been forgiven of much, therefore we can forgive much.
believer run to God, run to his presence today and ask; who do I need to forgive?
believer run to God and ask for remembrance; remember what you have been forgiven.
I pray this stirs your heart to worship today.
~ holly russell