HOW THE CONGREGATION WAS TO TREAT THE REPENTANT SINNER

 Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-8. Paul noted that the "rebuke given by the majority [was] sufficient for such a man." In other words, the discipline had served its purpose toward him. What purpose? To lead him to repentance. - HEBREWS 12:11.

Paul therefore directed the congregation: "Kindly forgive and comfort the erring brother, and "confirm your love for him." Note that Paul wanted the congregation to more than merely allow the man back among Jehovah's people. Paul wanted them to assure the repentant ma by their words, manner, and actions that they truly forgave him and loved him. They would thus make it clear that they welcomed his return to the congregation.

Did some in the congregation feel reluctant to welcome the repentant sinner back into their midst?   The account does not tell us, but it is possible. After all, his actions brought trouble to the congregation as a whole and perhaps shame to certain individuals as well. Some might have felt that it was unfair that the man should be so warmly accepted as a brother when they were the ones who had fought so hard to remain morally clean. (Compare Luke 15:28-30.) Why, though, was it important for the congregation to show genuine love for their returning brother.

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