So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Actually, you should do the opposite now, forgive this person and show them some love. Otherwise, all that guilt and shame might completely destroy them.
Don't let someone drown in their mistakes when you have the power to throw them a lifeline.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he is addressing a situation where a church member had been disciplined for serious sin, likely the same issue of immorality he mentioned in his first letter. Paul had previously instructed the church to confront and exclude this person temporarily for their spiritual good, but now he warns against prolonging the punishment. This reflects the early Christian emphasis on restorative discipline to promote repentance and community harmony rather than permanent rejection.
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