The Strength to Forgive
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians was complicated. In 1 Corinthians 5, he had urged them to discipline an immoral man. Now, in 2 Corinthians 2:5–11, that man had repented — and Paul urged them to forgive.
“Enough is enough. Mission accomplished,” Paul essentially said. “The punishment worked. Now forgive and comfort him, so he’s not overwhelmed with sorrow.” Unforgiveness, Paul warned, gives Satan a foothold (2 Cor 2:5-11).
Paul’s example shows us that forgiveness is more than a feeling — it’s an act of obedience that mirrors Jesus’ mercy. It prevents bitterness from swallowing people whole. It confirms love. It reminds the world of Christ’s forgiveness. And it outsmarts the enemy, who thrives on division.
We all know how hard forgiveness can be. Wounds go deep, and pride resists. But Jesus calls us to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). That’s not keeping score — it’s keeping grace flowing.
Sometimes forgiveness is delayed not because we’re unwilling, but because we’re waiting for the right moment to restore. Paul delayed his visit to the Corinthians to give space for repentance and joy (2 Corinthians 1:23–2:4). This is the patience of love — it doesn’t correct to control but to care.
In your own life, what would it look like to release someone from a debt they can’t repay? For a parent, it might mean moving from discipline to reassurance once a child has acknowledged wrongdoing. For a marriage, it could mean choosing words that heal rather than reopen old wounds. For a church family, it may mean restoring someone who’s turned back to God.
When we forgive, we act like Jesus. And when we restore, we reflect His heart as the Good Shepherd — who doesn’t just rescue the lost but rejoices over their return.