2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Paul has mentioned that he does not another painful visit in coming to see them. He wishes to not bring pain or cause pain.

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely.

(v5, NIV)

Now causing pain or grief causes everyone else to grieve as well. This is similar to the body analogy in 1 Corinthians 12.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

(1 Corinthians 12:26, NIV)

They are the body of the Church. They are the body of Christ. If one suffers, they all suffer. Now with that in mind, what should we do about it?

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

(v7, NIV)

When one causes pain or grief there is obviously a person in pain. The person in pain should forgive the person who caused pain. Since the causing of pain causes pain to everyone, it should be done away with and put to an end.

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

(v8, NIV)

Seeking forgiveness is difficult. It's even difficult when you know the person will forgive you. Facing the person you've wronged can be daunting. As the one who forgives, we should reafirm our love towards the one who caused grief. It helps the one seeking forgiveness. It also is a sign that you truly forgive them. If you did not forgive them, you may want them to suffer longer. You may not have forgiven them completely and thus you cannot reaffirm your love for them.

in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

(v11, NIV)

Having us not forgive one another is one of Satan's schemes. If we hold a grudge or cannot let go of something, it will give Satan a foothold in our life. Let us forgive one another and let go of our anger.