Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 1:12-24, 2:1-11 (day four)
Paul had been wronged…falsely accused…by a member of the Corinthian church. He wrote to the church urging correction and discipline for the offender. A majority of the church was in favor of discipline, but there were some who believed the punishment was not severe enough. Paul’s counsel was not for vengeance, but to restore the church to a right relationship with God. It was given out of love.
In 2:11, Paul gives valuable instruction. God has given the command to His people to be reconciled. (Matthew 5:24) Reconciliation does not hinge on our relationship with the offender. If we fail to forgive and seek reconciliation, we are directly disobeying God and giving Satan an advantage to accuse us. Forgiveness is not based on the merits of the offender, it is based on our relationship with God and our obedience to Him! Paul’s counsel is to alert the church to the schemes of Satan and restore the church to holiness and godly sincerity.
