9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. (NLT).

Paul had said at the end of chapter 1 that his intention was not to dominate them. Does verse 9 sound like a contradiction of this? Perhaps, superficially, it does. But the more you look at this verse, the more it becomes obvious that it speaks of the freedom of the Corinthians. Of course the apostle had given them guide-rails, but he did not make them do anything. They didn’t have to do what he said. But they would have been foolish not to follow his counsel. Often, when facing knotty local church issues, we need wise external insight and input.

2 Corinthians 7:10 says: ‘’ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.’’

Clearly, the man had now come to repentance and Paul urges forgiveness. The aim of church discipline should be to bring about restoration if at all possible. The devil has significant opportunity to run riot among Christians who hold on to unforgiveness.

‘Satan, who is ever ready to destroy churches, will, in the absence of love and forgiveness, quickly bring bitterness and division’ Paul Barnett.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to treat one another generously, because this is how you deal with us.