Forgiveness & Reconciliation

2Corinthians 2:1-4 NLT – 1 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. 3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won't be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn't want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

1.     Correction Must Come from Love, Not Revenge

-       Biblical Love:

-       Biblical Correction:

-       Biblical Leadership:

Proverbs 27:5-6 NLT – 5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! 6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Galatians 6:1 NLT – 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Hebrews 12:11 NLT – 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

2Corinthians 2:5-7 NLT – 5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough.

2.     Discipline Has a Purpose and a Limit.

Two errors the church must avoid:

-       Permissiveness:

-       Punitive Harshness:

Matthew 18:15-17 NLT – 15 "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

2Corinthians 2:7 NLT - Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overcome by discouragement.

3.     Forgiveness Must Be Accompanied by Comfort.

Paul gives 3 instructions:

·      Forgive Him.

·      Comfort Him.

·      Do Not Allow Him to be Overwhelmed by Excessive Sorrow.

• Forgive - charizomai - to pardon, give graciously to restore.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT – 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

2Corinthians 2:8 NLT - So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

4.     Restoration Must Be Intentional!

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the sin never happened. 

2Corinthians 2:9-11 NLT - I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 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, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

5.     Refusing Forgiveness can give Satan an Advantage.

·      Unaddressed sin can corrupt the church.

·      Unforgiveness can divide the church.

·      Excessive condemnation can discourage the repentant.

·      Refusing restoration can undermine the purpose of discipline.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT – 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

1Peter 5:8-9 NLT – 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.