“But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent--not to be too severe.” vs5

Grief is a part of living in this world, as we are offended and sinners offend the church with false faith. Let us be reconciled through repentance.

First, you and I don’t want to be too hard on people [vs6-7]. “This punishment [putting him out of the church] which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.”

God is not hard on us. He calls us to repentance, and there’s no peace without it. On that condition, however, there is forgiveness and comfort.

David has to bear the shame of what he’s done, but he’s reconciled to God. Shemei curses him, but God intervenes FOR David, because He’s forgiven His child [2 Sam 16:12].

Let us look at our own selves, as we deal with others. “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets [Matt 7:12].” Treat them how you want to be treated, and much more so as God has treated you.

Secondly, we must be obedient in all things [vs8-9]. “Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.”

It is not enough to be the church that puts people out: We must take them back again. We can’t only be strict on doctrine, but we must also be loving with our lives. We can’t live for our creeds and deny the people.

We have A LOT of work to do and a lot of growing up, until we’re in the image of Christ [Eph 4:15]. We need to cast off the old ways and the bondage of the flesh. “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind [Eph 4:23].” We have been regenerated once for all, but let’s wash our feet daily [John 13:10].

Thirdly, we know Satan’s devices [vs10-11]. “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

He is a crafty foe, and he uses unforgiveness to destroy families and churches. He is a hateful being with no love, and he wants us to act the same way.

We must contradict him and withstand him boldly! We will not be his children, nor will we follow Christ in name only. We will be like our Master, and we will love. He’s given us the example by washing feet, that we’re to serve each other. “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you [John 13:15].”

When there’s repentance, then let forgiveness be real: Hold no barrier and no grudge. Do not hold it over their head.

In the Black Lives Movement, there’s an accusation of unforgiveness and lovelessness. Let it never be true. Christians do not condemn the innocent, nor do we reject those who repent!

We’ve repented (if we’ve obtained mercy,) and we must hold out this hand of comfort for others.

If there’s no repentance, however, then an offender can’t be received as a brother. He must be loved as an enemy. As much as possible, live at peace with all [Rom 12:18]. Love the brethren fervently [1 Pet 4:8].