Day 194/260: Read 2 Corinthians 2

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul confronted them about their tolerance of a sinful situation. They were not dealing with the problem, but rather they were boasting about their tolerance! The apostle chided them because they had not “mourned” over this sin, and urged them to “deliver such a one to Satan,” and to “purge out the old leaven.”

By the time we get to the second chapter of 2 Corinthians, discipline had evidently been enacted, but the brethren would not let the formerly sinful man forget what he had done. Paul again corrects them, writing, “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.”

When one of God’s children repents, we, as that person’s brothers and sisters, should embrace them in their repentance and encourage them as they make the necessary changes in their life. The Corinthians were told to “reaffirm your love to him.” Show the brother that he is forgiven, and that he is welcomed back into the fellowship of God’s saints.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, ______________, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is ______________ in vain in the Lord.

Pray

Pray for those who are caught up in sin, that they may find their way home. Pray for yourself, that when they do come back, you will show them the love of Christ.