Day 25: 40 Day Love Challenge

Day 25: 40 Day Love Challenge

Day 25: If you forgive someone, then I also forgive them. And what I have forgiven—if I had anything to forgive—I forgave it for you, and Christ was with me. (2 Corinthians 2:10)

Though should never hold grudges amongst others for them and I also shall forgive them— what I have forgiven —if I had anything to forgive—I forgave it for you, and Christ was with me.

10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the aperson of Christ; 11 Lest aSatan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

What does 2 Corinthians 2:10 mean?

Paul said his previous letter—a now-lost text written after his letter of 1 Corinthians—and now this one provided a test to see whether the Corinthians would obey him, and ultimately God. Their charge was to first correct a sinful man in their midst, then to restore him once he repented.

Now Paul adds that he will affirm their right response. Though he is the one who was personally wronged by the man, he will follow their lead and forgive anyone they choose to forgive. Paul shows that his connection to them is not simply that of an authority and his subjects. He loves them and wants to share with them in this expression of forgiveness and love.

What he adds in this verse shows just how high the stake were when it comes to forgiveness. Paul said his choice to forgive—anyone, not just this man—is for their sake. He says this “in the presence of Christ,” meaning that Christ would agree he is speaking the truth.

The following verse shows why this forgiveness is such a big deal. Satan uses unforgiveness and bitterness between Christians to divide. This destroys closeness, ministry, and the church’s example to the world. That’s why Paul will join with the Corinthians in forgiving this man and anyone else he needs to in the church.

Context Summary

Second Corinthians 2:5–11 contains Paul’s agreement that a sinful man’s offense was serious. Now that this man has repented in sorrow, however, Paul tells the Corinthians to stop his punishment and to forgive, comfort, and affirm their love for him. Paul knows now that they remain obedient. Forgiveness among Christians is essential in order to not be outwitted by the designs of Satan.

Chapter Summary

Paul explains why he delayed coming to visit the Corinthians. In great anguish, he had written a painful letter to tell them they must correct a man among them. This person may have challenged Paul’s authority as an apostle of Jesus. The Corinthians disciplined the man, and he repented. Paul told them to forgive him. He tells of Titus failing to show up in Troas with news about the Corinthians, then transitions into teaching that Christians are the aroma of Christ on earth to everyone they know