devotional post # 2155

2 Corinthians 2:8-11

2Co 2:8 So I am encouraging you to reaffirm your love for him.
2Co 2:9 Because this is why I had written, that I might test you and know whether you are being obedient in everything.
2Co 2:10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Actually, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been on behalf of you in the presence of Christ,
2Co 2:11 in order that we would not be exploited by Satan; because we are not ignorant of his designs.

forgive, or be exploited

The Corinthians had been wronged. One of their own number had betrayed them, and his sin was blatant. They had excommunicated him at Paul’s request. But now, Paul recognized that the time of his sentence was up, and it was time to restore him to the fellowship. Paul prayed for that person’s full forgiveness, and encouraged the Corinthians to trust in that forgiveness, and restore their brother to fellowship. If they did not, Satan would use the break in fellowship to exploit them all, and the end result would be worse than before.

LORD, teach us to listen to your voice, disciplining when it is necessary, and fully forgiving and reaffirming our love when we can.