(The following is the July 31 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 2 and pay close attention to verses 5-11.)
How we treat people after disciplining them can matter as much as the discipline itself. Whether it is a parent disciplining a child, a business leader correcting an employee, or a church confronting a wayward member, subsequent actions should demonstrate love and the desire to restore the relationship, especially once the disciplined person shows remorse and changes the offending behavior.
As mentioned in the devotional for July 13 from 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, the goal of church discipline is not to shame or shun others but to restore the person to a right relationship with Christ and the church. If the person responds with repentance, the church should welcome the person with loving arms back into the fellowship. We never want anyone to remain estranged following repentance.
Paul doesn’t give complete details regarding the person and situation referenced in today’s focal passage. Still, he encourages the people involved in this case of church discipline to make sure the repentant person knows of their love for him. “This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief” (vv. 6-7). Without love and encouragement to return to the faith community, the one disciplined could be tempted to sever the relationship permanently and return to ungodly ways.
Our heavenly Father has welcomed us back to a restored relationship with him countless times after we have strayed and humbly confessed our sins. We should receive others with the same grace. Failure to restore love to the penitent can be just as damaging as failure to discipline in the first place.
Next Step:
Are you aware of a strained relationship in the church that needs restoration and love? What can you do to show compassion and help move the situation toward a positive resolution?
