Lesson 4835

 (Lesson 4835) (04-25-25) 2nd Corinthians 2:1-11 

   “But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 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. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul continued to explain his decision to delay visiting the Corinthian church. He expressed that his previous letter, written with much affliction and anguish of heart, was not intended to cause them sorrow but to convey his abundant love for them. Paul emphasized that his aim was to avoid another painful visit, hoping instead that his letter would lead to repentance and joy upon his eventual return. Paul then addressed the situation of a specific individual who had caused grief within the church. He noted that the punishment inflicted by the majority is sufficient, and now it's time to forgive and comfort the offender to prevent overwhelming sorrow. Paul urged the congregation to reaffirm their love for that person, highlighting that forgiveness is crucial not only for the individual's restoration but also to prevent Satan from exploiting the situation. He reminded them that they were not ignorant of Satan's devices, implying that a lack of forgiveness could lead to greater harm within the church. ~