2nd Corinthians 2

Here we see a pastor's heart for the church. Paul had to write some painful things to them and decided not to return to go over those things at this time. The distress and anguish he had for them is familiar if you've ever had a child or family member wander and were grieved as they reacted to your input in their lives. Vs4 "For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you." This love is a love that imparts the truth in love to restore the one you love. It is an act of love and caring. It may not always be received that way, but give room and time for the Lord God to work.
They had to do some hard things here and are now asked to forgive and restore in genuine love. 7"Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything."
Many times forgiveness is the hardest test of all. We are to be aware that Satan wants to use this to outwit us. We are not to let him get a foothold in our spiritual life through unforgiveness. Paul says "I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
Remember the opposite side of the equation 14"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." God has good things in store for those who join in the procession. Have you seen those join Him lately? Do you desire for those in your life to meet Him? Please let God be your boss and join Him today and you will see the hand of God at work as He uses you to reach them. We all want to hear Christ tell us: John 11:40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"