2 Corinthians 2:7 –
Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.
There are multiple reasons for forgiveness and this is one of them. We often forgive to release our own turmoil over an issue or wrong deed, but often we do not notice the impact on the person who needs the forgiveness. I see this often in many settings where a person repents of their sins, yet must live under the reminder from that point forward. Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile “forgiveness” of Jesus when your “body of Christ” friends are not forgiving.
Sure there are arguments against punishment for mortal sins and other acts, but many times we take these things too far. We need to look at the Lord’s Prayer and focus on Matthew 6:12. Do we really want to be forgiven as we forgive others? Do you want God to remind you of every time you step out of line from now until eternity? When you think about forgiveness in these terms the consequences are great. How many times have you said this prayer and the same week kept bringing up harbored resentment?
It’s important to forgive others for their peace also. I think one of the most amazing stories of forgiveness that highlights this all around is a story from a friend at Men’s Step Up. He recently had his son murdered and the person who murdered him was caught. Through the trial it was everything he could do to not explode on this young man, until God’s peace came over him and he forgave this young man. It didn’t make the loss of his son easier, but he was able to get out of a toxic mindset. On the other side of the table this young man has seen God work first hand in his victim’s father and he has peace and is learning about God. Also, his sister is being ministered to by this forgiving man, and another life is impacted because he forgave as he wanted to be forgiven.
As a church we have to do this also! I see many get shunned from the people they need because of some act that causes a lack of forgiveness. The big ones are pastors who get caught in scandals. Sure the church needs to protect their congregation and not condone such acts, but at the same time we need to demonstrate forgiveness. If a person is truly repentant, I believe it’s important for their peace to forgive them and allow restoration to begin. I believe this is what Paul is emphasizing to the church in Corinth.