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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.

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Footnotes

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

Forgiveness for the Sinner

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

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