2 Corinthians 2: 8–9 – So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
Observation –
Paul delayed a return visit to Corinth as there were those within the body knowingly sinning. We have to confront another believers sin no to cause pain but out of love to bring that person back in the fold. Paul begs that when practicing discipline that our brother or sister know that they are loved and that is why they are being checked. Paul wrote the letter with guidance so the body of believers at Corinth would have the opportunity to be obedient in their discipline with love.
Application –
Paul’s guidance to the Church body at Corinth is just a great framework of how we want to come alongside someone we know who is openly sinning against God as all sin is. In 1 Corinthians 16:14 Paul says, “Let all that you do be done in Love.” I am to approach a brother or sister who is knowingly sinning and walking 180 degrees from God out of abundant love. This would be in contrast to being judgmental. Sin can’t go unchecked as that will have serious potentially even greater consequences. However, when there is a call for restorativediscipline, I must forgive and love to reaffirm as I have been forgiven and as I would want to be treated. This is not an easy situation, but as followers of Christ we are called to act obediently in love. Love the sinner, confront the sin.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. Let the Spirit guide me to lovingly reaffirm and forgive to point people to you.