Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast - Episode 2863 - Lesson 9 - Wednesday August 26 - Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of Love

Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of LoveRather than visiting the Corinthians a second time, Paul, after returning to Ephesus, sent what became known as "the severe letter" (see 2 Cor. 2:3-4; 2 Cor. 7:8, 12).Read 2 Corinthians 7:5-13. What was the result of what he wrote to them, and what was Paul's reaction because of that result?Paul and Titus met later in Macedonia, where Paul heard from Titus the excellent news that his strong words had caused positive results, which brought much joy to the apostle's heart. If before, some in Corinth positioned themselves against Paul, now the church sided with him. How important it is to support our leaders. As church members, we can make their work much easier than it is.Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. What is the central idea here?This passage has to do with a case of church discipline. Scholars debate whether the offender here is the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 or someone else, a person who influenced others in the church in their accusation that Paul had been inconsistent and inconsiderate of them in his traveling decisions. The context seems to favor the second option. In any case, the most important teaching of the passage regards how the church should deal with a person in sin.This passage teaches that the purpose of church discipline is restoration through forgiveness and through reaffirmation of love for the sinner (2 Cor. 2:6-8, 10). The passage also hints that church discipline may be painful, but it is necessary. That is, however well-intentioned they may be, and wanting to be "grace"-oriented, some churches might never confront or deal with blatant or even public sin. On the other hand, others can be very rigid, unforgiving, and harsh. Sin needs to be dealt with, but in love. Thus, Paul could exhort the church to reaffirm its love for the offender (2 Cor. 2:8) because he himself loved the church (2 Cor. 2:4)!The church in Corinth could love the offender (2 Cor. 2:8) because it