Learn The Bible

For more than twenty years, LearnTheBible.org has consistently provided free content from a Bible-believing perspective to our thousands of annual visitors. We do not run ads or charge for access to this wealth of Bible study materials, outlines, preaching, teaching, and so much more! Expenses to maintain our hosting, servers, etc. are provided by the generous donations of God's people. If you have been helped and blessed by LTB through the years, would you help us continue to maintain and support this growing ministry by partnering with us with a onetime or monthly gift?
To those who read, listen, and share our content, we are extremely grateful! Please continue to pray for us and "Thank You!" for 20 great years!
Home

Ye Ought Rather to Forgive - 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

Ye Ought Rather to Forgive - 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The two epistles addressed to the Corinthian church clearly highlight many of the problems associated with the carnal church of Corinth. Today's passage specifically deals with the restoration of those who had fallen into sin. All church discipline, though frequently neglected, should initially focus on the restoration of the individual rather than his simple condemnation. In fact, Galatians 6:1 instructs spiritual believers to consider themselves by restoring “such an one in the spirit of meekness.” Unfortunately, people oftentimes seem to glory in the judgment aspect of discipline while diminishing or completely neglecting the joys involved with the restoration of the individual into fellowship. Careful attention to the wording of 2 Corinthians 2:7 reveals two important aspects of this church discipline: believers “ought” to forgive; and additionally believers ought “rather” to forgive. Unlike those who are quick to condemn, the Bible emphasizes forgiveness rather than the punishment aspects of discipline.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

  • (For children)  A playmate is taking your crayons and breaking them by not holding them right while he colors. Instead of getting angry, would you be willing to show him the proper way to hold and use the crayons?
  • (For everyone) ): Do you find joy in carrying around bitterness toward others? Do you hold onto grudges even after you have been asked to forgive? What joys do you miss by not offering forgiveness to those who have wronged you?
  • How do you deal with those who have done you wrong? Do you avoid them even after they seek your forgiveness? Do you let them know of your desire to restore them? Do you allow them to be restored when they have sought restoration?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

  • Ask the Lord to show you the joy of truly forgiving others.
  • Ask God to help you restore in the spirit of meekness those who have fallen.

SONG

Footprints of Jesus

LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK

Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.

Daily Proverb

Proverbs 29:9

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
See All...