Forgiveness
Day 609, Sunday, April 12
2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:11
It becomes even clearer that Paul is seeking to reconcile with the Corinthians after some conflict. He refers to a “painful visit”—something that apparently took place after the writing of 1 Corinthians but before the writing of 2 Corinthians.
In verses 5-11, it appears that the conflict involved a specific individual, who grieved the church and was punished for it. This raises the intriguing possibility that the man involved was the one involved in a case of incest in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, when Paul urged them to expel the offender.
In whatever case he is talking about, his direction now is to pursue reconciliation. “The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.”
The purpose of punishment within the church, then, is not maintaining the purity of the church by keeping sinners on the outside, but to restore the fallen to right relationship with God and God’s people. With anything less, Paul says, we risk letting Satan outwit us.
Regardless of whether it is the same case or not, Paul makes it clear here that the response to sin within the church community is grief, not judgment.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Psalms 107:23-32
Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Prayer focus
We thank you, God, for leading us to calm, to a safe haven. We give you thanks for your unfailing love and wonderful deeds.