Truly Forgiving A Brother Who Repents (2:5-11)

Neal Pollard

Through the years, I have handled some public responses from Christians who were repenting of some very public, sometimes very damaging, sins. They had the courage and humility to try and make right and move on from these transgressions in order to be restored to fellowship and the light. Almost always, their spiritual family has rallied around them and assured them of their love and forgiveness. What should happen is that no one holds them hostage to these sins by reminding them of those things or judging that they have not changed when their deeds and fruits say otherwise.

It appears that Paul is writing the church about the man who had his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1ff). Paul writes in that first letter that they should “judge” him by delivering “such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:3,5). We can assume that not only did they do just that, but that their action worked to bring about the man’s repentance. In 2Corinthians 2:5-11, Paul tells them what should come next. 

FORGIVE AND COMFORT HIM (7)

They had taken the hard steps outlined by Paul (1 Cor. 5), and it brought him back. When he came face to face with his sin, it must have been a harsh reality check. Paul suggests he was wrestling with “excessive sorrow.” Perhaps he had a hard time forgiving himself, so it was vital for the church to let him know they no longer held this against him. As our sin dawns on us, it can be “overwhelming.” We don’t feel worthy or worthwhile, and a forgiving church is God’s antidote for that. 

REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE FOR HIM (8)

One rebounding from sin also does not feel worthy of love. When one has publicly done what is unlovable, the last thing he or she expects is to be shown love. Paul begs them to tangibly, audibly, and visibly reassure this man of their love for him. As “the majority” reminds itself of our own sin and weakness, we will freely embrace and restore one of our number who has repented of sin and weakness. 

BE OBEDIENT IN EVERYTHING (9-10)

Forgiving is a spiritual test. Do you remember what Jesus taught? Jesus gives a parable of a man forgiven of an insurmountable debt who mercilessly refuses to forgive a fellow slave of an infinitely smaller debt. That slave was delivered to the torturers, and Jesus concludes, “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Mat. 18:35). Forgiving the penitent is a command (9) that must be obeyed (10). Remembering this will help us with brethren who personally come to us or publicly repent. 

DON’T BE OUTWITTED BY SATAN (11)

Sometimes the devil’s ploys are more overt and obvious. A man living in sexual sin with his father’s wife is a “no brainer.” At first, the Corinthians knew about it and kept fellowship with him despite the sin (1 Cor. 5:2). When rebuked for this, they stepped up and handled it. Now, this more subtle trick was being employed by Satan. Our adversary is willing to use anything he can to harm our fellowship and unity, and to hurt the cause of Christ. Paul urges them not to allow this by withholding fellowship to one who repented. 

God wants us to be a people willing to deal forthrightly and biblically with “sin in the camp.” But, when one repents, He wants us to be equally willing to reflect God’s full and unreserved loving forgiveness. Encourage them, reassure them, and embrace them. The goal is salvation–theirs and ours.