Forgiveness To The Offender

There are two problems that beset the church that Paul established in Corinth; namely, division and immorality.

The second problem is very interesting to explore in the Bible. How should Christians view it properly? is the question.

Division among members in the church is a frequent occurrence; but seldom is sexual immorality. But it does happen even today.

We have to go over what Corinth was in Paul’s time.

Corinth is the capital of Roman province of Achaia (now Greece). It is a melting pot of all types of people with a distinct religion of their own. It is also a thriving business center overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Immorality is widespread in this port city. And this is not hard to think about.

The gods and goddesses of other peoples - except the Jews - tolerate sexual liberation; e.g. Aphrodite and Apollo are some. “Fertility” is a kinder word associated with their gods and goddesses. If I could think of an apt and descriptive word to replace it (fertility), it is obscenity.

Even among Yahweh’s chosen people (the Jews), many were ensnared to worship Baal in Samaria and Artemis in Efesus.

Sex orgy is part of worship to Baal. (Kindly read the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah.)

On Artemis, have you seen her picture in secular history books? She is a statue with more than ten busts.

Paul speaks with severity about sexual immorality by saying these on the offender: 1. expel (1 Cor 5:2), 2. hand over to Satan (1 Cor 5:5), not to associate (1 Cor 5:9, 11), 4. don’t even sit down to eat with such a person (1 Cor 5:11) and 5. remove (1 Cor 5:13)

Sadly, that’s how the offender is viewed (and treated!) by members of Christian churches today especially by the linear readers.

Condemnation is a punishment. Please see Paul’s statement in 2 Cor 2:6.

In 2 Cor 5:7, however, Paul has a change of heart. He says “…forgive… and encourage.” Compassion is what he meant.

Look, Paul says in 2 Cor 2:11: “…for we know what his plans are.” He is referring to none other than Satan.

When a Christian falls into sin he is deceived by Satan. And who won’t be even today, tomorrow or the next day?

To know his plans we ought to know Satan’s roles.

And here they are: 1. He roams around like a lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pt 5:8) 2. He deceives the whole world. (Rv 12:9) 3. He accuses our brother day and night. (Rv 12:10) 4. He fights against those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus. (Rv 12:17) And, 5. Jn 10:10 which we all know.

This is the problem with linear readers. When faced with verses on a given topic, they easily interpret them at face value (literally) without going into the dynamics of the verses.

I…, you… may stumble. (It happened already to me.) Who can say that one can stand strong against the devil’s wiles, deception and attacks?

Paul has given us the proper attitude on the offender: FORGIVE and ENCOURAGE.

And for the sake of further Biblical exploration on passing judgment on the offender, let us survey Mt 7:6. Here Jesus says, “DO NOT GIVE WHAT IS HOLY TO THE DOGS – THEY WILL ONLY TURN AND ATTACK YOU…”

He mentions “dogs”. Therefore, we have to go over, by association, the traits of a dog in the cultural context of the Jews. The dog is associated with immoral people which is very much like our version of snake for a traitor.

Also in Mt 7:6, Jesus mentions “holy”. Please read Psalm 147:19-20!

In that brief verse (Mt 7:6), Jesus is stressing a point to ponder: Don’t be too pushy or hard on the offender; otherwise he will go back to his old ways – in the company of the dogs, that is.

He will “give up completely.” That’s from Paul in 2 Cor 2:7.