A Community Forgives
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. II Corinthians 2:7-8
When does a sin become so egregious that forgiveness is unwarranted? When a son copulates with his stepmother, is this an unforgivable sin? I ask such rhetorical questions to analyze the value of forgiving. In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the believers at Corinth, he focuses on forgiveness instead of retribution. By extending the entire body of Christ, Paul encourages today’s believers to share in reconciling instead of ostracizing a repented individual. In Paul's first letter to the believers in Corinth, he identifies an individual copulating with his stepmother, and Paul states that such behavior is not tolerated with nonbelievers.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. I Corinthians 5:1
Paul does not want to injure the wrongdoer further or forever alienate him from the fellowship of other believers. So, he encourages them to forgive him, comfort him, and welcome him back into their fellowship.
How many times have you heard that a convicted murderer who served his time for the crime but the family refuses to grant him parole? The incarcerated individual can even demonstrate his remorse for the crime and testify to his restoration. Yet, the family remains convinced that the incarcerated individual lacks sincere remorse while never agreeing to allow him his freedom. Similarly, we tend to overlook the need for forgiveness when people entertain selfish behavior leading to ill will toward others. I am so happy that God demonstrated forgiveness through His son, Jesus when I followed my desires instead of God’s will. Likewise, a practice of reconciliation in our community will establish a place of forgiveness, comfort, and love while minimizing the opportunities for Satan to multiply his devices. Learn the art of forgiveness now, and watch your relationships improve.