- “If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.” There is a hint here that individuals were involved and the issue was directed at Paul yet Paul sets aside his own pain and hurt and urges the community not to escalate the matter. Do you think Paul is letting the troublemakers off scot-free? Is proportionate punishment necessary? What do you think? Is this response (he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you) something you are capable of as well? What do you think is the role of punishment in such situations?
I think it is a matter of what is truly important and honestly my own hurts and grievances are not important. What is important are the people who have sinned in causing me hurts and grievances and they need God’s forgiveness, God’s redemption, so that they can return to the fold and contribute positively to the community.
Really tough to set aside my own hurt, Father, but it is clearly the right thing to do and clearly YOUR agenda is more important and I should not waste time trying to fit my agenda into the picture.
I used to think that there must be repentance and I think it is still true BUT I must recognise that that is God’s business and not mine. I don’t need to hear the words of apology or regret and I don’t need to see a change of heart and mind, nor lessons learned. IF I am the mentor, fair to say I should, to some extent, see. But otherwise, it is God’s business, not mine, to teach and train another. It is my place to speak the truth and reflect it, and to pray for my brother or sister to return to the right path, as Jesus did for Peter.
If punishment is merited (because of law, or cultural expectation, etc.) then it should be done so as to satisfy the demands of law and justice as all should be treated justly and fairly. Otherwise, punishment is to emphasise to the offender that indeed they have crossed a line that merits a painful rejoinder. It is not to satisfy the person offended.
- “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” Once again, Paul focuses on building up rather than tearing down. What do you think of his approach and priorities? Do you think there may come a point when he may have to cut his losses and remove these people from the church—that such an act is not off the table, or we should always give people chances, no matter how many?
Absolutely spot on. This is what it means to love one another.
Yes, I do think there is a cut-off point but it should be judged in the Presence of God and done in love and with grief. I think Paul has done so before. The community must be protected and cancer must be excised.
- “Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” Paul reveals another perspective and concern: Satan’s hand in such matters as well as the fact that Satan benefits when we turn away from love. Does this add to or change your own perspective especially in relation to conflicts that are especially hurtful?
Yes, Satan deals in hurts, grievances, grudges, malice, self-centredness. These give him power to hurt and weaken a community. God deals in forgiveness, redemption, grace, humility, generosity and love, that strengthens, unites and builds up the community.
This perspective adds to and maybe even changes my own approach. I tend to just flee. I need to consider how I can forgive and perhaps even love, for God’s sake and for the good of the community.