2 Corinthians 2:5–6: But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man.
It is worth noting that Paul did not mention the name of the man who had opposed him and divided the church family. However, Paul did tell the church to discipline this man for his own good. If the person referred to is the fornicator mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, then these verses indicate that the church did hold a meeting and discipline the man, and that he repented of his sins and was restored.
The man whom Paul confronted, and whom the church disciplined, was helped by this kind of loving attention. When I was a child, I didn’t always appreciate the discipline that my parents gave me, though I must confess that I deserved far more than I received. But now that I look back, I can thank God that they loved me. Now I understand what they really meant when they said, “This hurts us more than it hurts you.” 1
Personal Application
- Read James 3:13-18. What is the cure for envy, self seeking, and confusion?
Godly Encouragement
- “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” –Hebrews 12:14
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
If you are accountable to God, you will be accountable to others. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for Your corrective love.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
