Slices
Prepare
Read Romans 12:18. Ask the Spirit to bring to mind anyone with whom you have a difficult or broken relationship. Ask him to give you practical ways to make peace.
Bible passage
23 I call God as my witness – and I stake my life on it – that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 2 1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Forgiveness for the offender
5 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. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote to you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 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, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Explore
Paul continued to defend himself over breaking a promise and explained his reasons (1:23 – 2:1). What is your response to his reasons for this change of mind? What was Paul hoping for (v 3)? Paul’s motivation was love (v 4); how do you respond to love-offered criticism? Paul called God as his witness for his motivation; he was telling the truth (v 23) and wanted the Corinthians to stand firm in their faith. What helps you do that?
Verses 5–11 explore a particular incident that may have relevance for such things happening today. It appears there’d been a sharp and public dispute between a church member and Paul (v 5). He appears to have challenged Paul’s teaching and continuing authority over them, representing the views of a minority (v 6). Whatever it was about, the church member had now been disciplined; it seems that Paul gave this instruction to seek clear evidence of where the congregation stood (v 9). The fact that the majority (v 6) had obeyed by disciplining the offender encourages Paul now to urge reconciliation with him (v 8). Yes, his accuser had been wrong, but Paul told them to reaffirm their love for him, accept him fully back into their fellowship and thereby defeat the enemy’s purpose (vs 10,11).
Respond
Offer to God a time when you were misunderstood by others in the church, and ask God to remind you of the depths of his love for you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezra 1,2; Luke 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Starting out in primary education can be a daunting experience for 4-year-olds. Pray that Getting Ready to Go, a resource aimed at helping them make the change, will provide peace and comfort and that they will find strength from Jesus.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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