[:en]SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 2
‘You ought to forgive and comfort him so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7)
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
Paul was a true shepherd to the Corinthian church. He did not want to visit the church with sorrow. So, he gave them time to rectify their wrongs before he would visit them with a joyful fellowship. Paul showed his love and concern for the church as he ministered with tears.
FORGIVENESS FOR SINNERS (vs. 5-11)
Paul mentioned about a man who was living in open sin that caused trouble to the whole church. He had instructed the church to discipline him and bring him to repentance. The man had confessed his sins but the church was not willing to received him. So, Paul told them to forgive him and take him back. He did not want the man to be discouraged with past failures and be overburdened with too much sorrows. If God forgives our sins, we must also forgive the sins of others.
MINSTERS OF THE NEW COVENANT (vs. 12-17)
Paul longed to see Titus and hear about the church at Corinth. He met Titus at Philippi and received good news that they had listened to his instruction. Paul was so happy giving thanks to God for leading them in triumphal procession in Christ, as they spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. Paul emphasized that he did not peddle the word of God for profit. Instead, he served Christ with sincerity. Even though he experienced suffering and sorrow, but he ended up with triumph and joy in Christ.[:]