HOW THE CONGREGATION WAS TO TREAT THE REPENTANT SINNER - Conclusion

 How, then, could the congregation in Corinth imitate Jehovah, not Satan? By following Jehovah's way of dealing with repentant sinners. Note what some Bible writers said about Jehovah. He is "good and ready to forgive," said David. (Psalm 86:5) Micah wrote: "Who is a God like you, pardoning error and passing over transgression?" (Micah 7:18) And Isaiah stated: "Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - ISAIAH 55:7. 

To imitate Jehovah, the congregation in Corinth had to welcome the repentant man back and assure him of their love. By following Paul's direction to welcome back the repentant sinner, the congregation showed their "obedience in all things." (2 Corinthians 2:9) True, only months had passed since he was removed, but the discipline had successfully led him to repentance. So there would be no point in delaying his reinstatement into the congregation.

Next time: REFLECTING JEHOVAH'S JUSTICE AND MERCY

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