Add parallel Print Page Options

Forgive and Love the Sinner

But (A)if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—[a]in order not to say too much—to all of you. Sufficient for such a one is (B)this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather (C)graciously forgive and comfort him, lest such a one be swallowed up by excessive sorrow. Therefore I encourage you to reaffirm your love for him. For to this end also (D)I wrote, so that I might (E)know your proven character, whether you are (F)obedient in all things. 10 But one whom you graciously forgive anything, I graciously forgive also. For indeed what I have graciously forgiven, if I have graciously forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes (G)in the presence of Christ, 11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by (H)Satan, for (I)we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 2:5 Lit so that I not be burdensome

But if someone has made anyone sad, that person hasn’t hurt me but all of you to some degree (not to exaggerate). The punishment handed out by the majority is enough for this person. This is why you should try your best to forgive and to comfort this person now instead, so that this person isn’t overwhelmed by too much sorrow. So I encourage you to show your love for this person.

This is another reason why I wrote you. I wanted to test you and see if you are obedient in everything. 10 If you forgive anyone for anything, I do too. And whatever I’ve forgiven (if I’ve forgiven anything), I did it for you in the presence of Christ. 11 This is so that we won’t be taken advantage of by Satan, because we are well aware of his schemes.

Read full chapter