Forgiving as a Church
Paul begins the chapter by expressing grief over having to rebuke them in his first letter. In verse 5 he brings up one of the incidents he had rebuked them for from 1 Cor. 5. Paul told them (the church in Corinth) to remove this man from the church, now he is telling them to forgive the man, comfort him, and encourage him. Note Paul doesn't specifically tell them to welcome him back into the church. Perhaps the man had repented or was showing signs of it, and the church needed to be active in helping restore this man back into the fellowship.
How many times has a church member, even a Christian church member, fallen into sin, and that church (not just a few members, but the church as a whole) never actively seeks to restore and welcome back that member. This teaching can be applied in so many ways.
In verses 10 and 11, Paul expands this discussion to speak on the dangers of unforgiveness. We should take this warning much more seriously. Satan has stopped churches from growing more often than not because the church refused to forgive a fallen member.
How many times has a church member, even a Christian church member, fallen into sin, and that church (not just a few members, but the church as a whole) never actively seeks to restore and welcome back that member. This teaching can be applied in so many ways.
In verses 10 and 11, Paul expands this discussion to speak on the dangers of unforgiveness. We should take this warning much more seriously. Satan has stopped churches from growing more often than not because the church refused to forgive a fallen member.
