Forgiveness and Restoration

2 Corinthians 2

“Love does not condone sin, but it does cover sin when God has washed it away upon repentance.” Warren Wiersbe

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20 (ESV)

From a heart of love touched with pain and distress, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, a severe letter to the church, hoping to correct the problems, as they were many.

The problems were with the leadership and sinful converts that struggled with compromise, traditional theology and ritual, and the ever-problem causing issue of power and authority. The sin of many, but more specifically one man causing great hindrances to the advancement of the Gospel and the mission of the church, brought grief to his dear friends in the church, who were seemingly easily influenced and passive in nature and action. These sin actions, the sin of this one man, and the letters of confrontation brought grief to Paul. The church disciplined the man who had caused the trouble, by what seems like the rules of church discipline spelled out in Matthew 18.

In this passage, like in the opening sentences of this 2 letter to the Corinthians, Paul was not afraid to share his feelings with others. Here, we are reminded that when we are out of touch with our feelings, we are out of touch with reality; however, we must always act out of obedience and live upon truth and mission, despite our feelings when it comes to leadership decisions, directions and following after Jesus. Truth, righteousness, obedience, and God’s Will spelled out in His Word must always supersede feelings and action and take precedence, especially when confronting sin and seeking to restore an brother of sister.

Paul also addressed forgiveness, as it is assumed this problem man, who was causing issues and was creating discord, repented from his disunity or sinful activities.
Paul reminds the church, and us, that when sinners truly repent, we should forgive them completely and reaffirm our love to and for them. Otherwise, they might become discouraged and give Satan an opportunity to accuse and attack.

When forgiveness is issued, we must seek to forget, no matter how difficult or hurt we have become. We must lay all at the foot of the cross and refuse to pick up the wrongdoing, pain, or difficulties caused or it will own us and cause future stumbling and barriers to spiritual growth and relational love commanded by Jesus. Yes, even if we have had to offer the other cheek or experienced the greatest of fall out.

Forgiveness requires restoration and a reaffirming love and acceptance. Love wipes the slate clean and seeks new beginnings and celebrations.

Paul ends the text by changing the focus from forgiveness to fragrance where he described a Roman Triumph, the official parade given to a victorious general when he returns to Rome. The incense carried by the priests meant life to the Roman soldiers but death to the prisoners who would end up in the arena with the wild beasts.

The message is that Christ has conquered death, and we are privileged to march in His triumphal procession with eternal life!

How forgiving are you? When you offer forgiveness, do you lay the wrongdoing at the foot of the cross and walk way? Or, do you run back and pick up the wrongdoing, pain, and fallout?
Are you living in victory and basking in the fragrance of the Lord? Or are you smelling the burning stench of those dead to the life-giving eternal hope of Jesus?
​
Today, not only does Jesus call us to forgive and restore, but forget and unify. Pray today for the Holy Spirit to help you move past past issues for the Glory of God, the strength of the church, and the testimony to unbelievers.

---