Forgiveness
for the Sinner
2 Corinthians 2:3-11
3 And
I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all
that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of
much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears,
not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which
I have so abundantly for you. 5 But if anyone
has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not
to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was
inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7
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. 8
Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test,
whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now
whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven
anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of
Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of
us; for we are not ignorant of his devices."