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Verse By Verse Devotional On 2 Corinthians By Pastor Jack #49

June 10, 2016 | by: Jack Lash | 0 comments

Posted in: 2 Corinthians

Ready to Forgive

2:10a "But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes."

NIV: “I f you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven for your sake.”

Paul has heard from Titus that the man who was disciplined by the Corinthian church (in obedience to his instructions) has now become deeply sorrowful for the way he opposed Paul. But apparently Paul has also heard that their reborn zeal for their apostle now threatens to hold this man under judgment even now that he has repented. So Paul here writes in 2:7-8 that it is time for this man to be forgiven. Paul did not command this man’s punishment out of personal vengeance but to demonstrate his love for them (v.4) and to test their allegiance to him (v.9). He has shown them his willingness to fight for their allegiance, much like a dedicated parent will fight for the respect and affection of his children. And now they have reproven their allegiance to Paul by punishing the man.

But now they are in danger of getting carried away with this defense of their apostle. Godly church punishment must be removed when there is repentance, for it is not ultimately a matter of justice but of love. And yet Paul does not want to rebuke his friends who have rallied behind him with new vigor. So, he gently urges them to forgive (v.7) and then here in v.10 assures them that he himself has already forgiven the fellow. But he expresses it in such a way that he has him and them doing this forgiving together. This manner of expression both compels and assists them in their forgiveness and also strengthens the bonds of their friendship.

Two observations here about this remarkably Christ-like apostle:

1- See how Paul is driven not by personal offense but by what is best for others. The punishment he commanded was not for his own sake but for the Corinthians’ sake -- the congregation and, though it is not mentioned here, the offender himself. Punishment was the best thing to do for these believers at the time. And now forgiveness is the best thing to do -- so that’s what Paul does and urges them to do. Christian love is "not easily provoked" nor does it "take into account a wrong suffered," but rather it "bears all things" and "endures all things" (1Cor.13:5,7). This offender has not even spoken to Paul directly yet to ask his forgiveness. But for Paul that is not necessary. Once he hears that the man has repented he is ready to forgive. Why? Because he WANTS to forgive. He WANTS to act like Christ, who sought the forgiveness even of those who crucified Him. The reason he had withheld forgiveness was not because he was angry, but only because of the benefit he hoped it would bring this man and the congregation as well. Just like God, Paul slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness (Ps.103:8).

2- Let us also not fail to appreciate how careful Paul is to communicate in such a way that encourages and embraces while also gently pressing his audience toward righteousness and love. They end up getting corrected and guided, even though they feel like they got affirmed. This is not only a skill to emulate, it is a commitment and a resolve that all of us need to dedicate ourselves to. How much wives and children and church members (and even employees) would be helped by this kind of Christ-like approach to the exercise of authority. (It also works well for those under authority. They can exercise influence and even correction in such a way that feels like respect and love.)

Dear Father, help me to be as ready to forgive others as You have been to forgive me. Help me not just be willing to forgive, help me to LOVE extending mercy and forgiveness, to LOVE patience and longsuffering. Your forgiveness has been my joy, may I now count it a privilege to extend to others what You have extended to me. And help me to withhold forgiveness only when its necessary for the good of others, and never out of resentment or bitterness or hurt. In everything help me to be compelled by the love of Christ.

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