2 Corinthians 2:6-8

2 Corinthians 2:6-8

[6] Sufficient  to such a man  is this  punishment,  which  was inflicted of  many.  [7] So  that contrariwise  ought rather  to forgive  him, and  comfort  such a one  should be swallowed up  sorrow.  [8] Wherefore  I beseech  that ye would confirm  your love  toward  him. 

What does 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul commended his readers for disciplining the offender, warned them against over-reacting, and urged them to convince him of their love for him. He "urged" this action, not ordered it, because true Christian love must be spontaneous and unforced or it ceases to be what it professes to be. The "majority" may refer to the whole church (Gr. hoi pleiones). The minority apparently held out for more severe discipline of this person. Thus Paul threw the whole weight of his apostolic authority behind forgiving as he had previously thrown it behind disciplining.
By accepting the offender, after he repented, the church would be confirming the Lord"s forgiveness of him (cf. Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18; Luke 17:3; John 20:23).
"Discipline which is so inflexible as to leave no place for repentance and reconciliation has ceased to be truly Christian; for it is no less a scandal to cut off the penitent sinner from all hope of Revelation -entry into the comfort and security of the fellowship of the redeemed community than it is to permit flagrant wickedness to continue unpunished in the Body of Christ." [1]