Welcome Back the Repentant (2 Corinthians 2: especially verse 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV)

 There are preachers and pastors who have done wrong.  I mean, majorly wrong.  Wrong, such as adultery or embezzling church funds for personal use.  Some have even done time in prison.

Some have repented and shown genuine transformation.  What do we do then, as members of the congregation?  Do we continue to spurn them even when they humbly return?

Several years back, we heard of such a high-profile senior pastor, who had to serve time in a neighboring country.  After some years he was invited to speak at a church in the country and city near me.

When this pastor's coming to town was reported, the very first reaction of many and I admit, even of myself was, "Has he truly repented?"

Later, I heard from a reliable source, sister-in-Christ and friend, that he was truly a changed man - changed for good.  Do we then continue to shun the brother?

The apostle Paul addressed the case of the man who'd commited incest with his father's wife (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-3).  In the second letter to the Corinthians he wrote,

"For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough. So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow"                     (2 Corinthians 2:6 & 7 ESV).

He went on to tell the Corinthians that he'd forgive anyone they would forgive, in the presence of God (see vs 10 ESV).

In our hearts, there will be those judgemental struggles for sure.  Has the person truly repented!?  And we watch and watch every move he or she makes, our eagle eyes on them.  We forget that when we point a finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at ourselves.

Paul continued that we need to forgive, since we are in the presence of Christ,

" ... so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV).

Satan wants to divide and conquer, but the Holy Spirit wants us to have unity of Spirit in the bond of peace.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is God an He is infinitely more powerful than Satan and his minions.

Let us therefore move forward in the mighty name of Jesus and forgive not just verbally,  but mentally and with our hearts as we once again welcome the repentant one back into our midst.

So be it, Father.  

Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 2: especially vs 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV.

Sing,  Lord I Need You, along with Matt Maher.