2 Corinthians 2:5-11

But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all. Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many; so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.Wherefore I beseech you to confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things. But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ; that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

 How many times have we been bothered by something but kept our mouths shut because we didn't want to cause trouble or...jeopardize a relationship? Silence is NOT always golden...even though the Tremeloes claimed so.

We'd like to think our silence is helping because speaking up often causes strife. Silence does not mean we are fine with a person's behavior. It only implies we are content. In fact, silence is often a breeding ground for discontentment.

Yet...we often call the person who is raised the problem a troublemaker.

Well, here's a dimension of strife we often fail to consider: A troubled relationship does not only hurt the two people involved, It hurts everybody surrounding the relationship. So, next time we feel all righteous in holding our tongues we might remember...our silence may be hurting others, 

How do we suppose children are affected by simmering trouble in their parents' relationship?

Paul raises this point in reference to the individuals, in Corinth, who he accused of sinful behavior. Since Paul was the accuser it stands to reason Paul was the one offended by the conduct. Paul says "not true!" In fact, we know many in the community were troubled by the bad behavior because when Paul called these people out and sanctioned them,,,the community enforced the sanctions. So...they had all been troubled.

So...there was a delicate situation between the accused and Paul...but everybody was on eggshells. Not a healthy situation. Paul says there is only one way to  diffuse this...FORGIVE. Put the trouble behind. This idea had been highlighted in his first letter to the community...chapter 13...when he said "love keeps no record of wrongdoing". 

If we continually wipe the slate clean...what could possibly offend us?

Paul's message is clear. If we love somebody...and ἀγάπη means a love that is intent on redemption...we must first tell them about our discontent and then we must wipe the slate clean. In fact, it's precisely what God did for each of us. This is the only way to redeem a relationship. Not only for our own benefit but...for the benefit of those around us who have been affected as well.

Really? How often do we need to do this? I read somewhere...70 times 7. That should keep us busy. More importantly, it relieves our feelings of discontentment and that's important. Guess where the devil dwells? Not so much in hell but...in our discontentment. Don't give him space.

Live boldly out there today...