Paul was struggling with the idea of returning to Corinth. He had initially intended to return, but, the issues he raised in his first letter were difficult and left many angry and upset. So Paul decided to forgo a second trip. Paul still wanted this young church to know, however, that they were a valuable church and He loved and prayed ceaselessly for them. So Paul, simply put, said it is time to forgive and move on. He agreed to forgive anyone that challenged him and asked the Corinthians to do the same. It was not worth the pain and anguish of losing their friendship or their faith to battle. So Move on and move forward.
In our lives, no matter our depth of faith, We also face times and challenges that leave us hurt and wondering if we can continue to move forward. Like Paul, we must carefully evaluate whether such hurt or disappointment is worth the cost of losing our ministry and mission. If we look at the world through the eyes of grace, it is often better to forgive and move forward even after things seem unforgivable. We, like Paul, need simply to lay the anger and hurt on God’s alter and allow him to restore and heal that which seems broken beyond repair. If we will, we can see God’s miraculous work and know He can do what we cannot!
God Bless You
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
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