SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 1-2
“Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” (2 Corinthians 2:7)
In his previous letter, Paul was quite stern about dealing with a sinner in their midst (1 Corinthians 5).
But now Paul’s gracious side shows through, and he urges them to be loving and supportive.
Discipline should also occur with abundant grace, and not legalistic harshness.
We are to forgive as God forgives, and love as God loves, and discipline as God disciplines.
Who among us does not marvel at God’s amazing patience, grace and mercy with us.
And most of all, how He steps in Himself to bear the brunt of our sin, so that we might be restored.
It is the same with comfort, we are to share the comfort we have received with those who need it.
“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:5)
Where are you experiencing sin or suffering around you, in the lives of those you know or love?
Are you demonstrating God’s gracious discipline and self-sacrificing mercy and love to them?
Are they being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow, or by excessive grace?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be serious about sin, but even more serious about grace. May those who struggle in weakness and who experience me walk away with a sense of excessive grace, mercy and love.