Jen’s been doing an awesome job walking, running, and biking (often all in the same day!). She’s putting me to shame with how much she exercises, and I’m very proud of her. Today she pushed herself on a long run and needed picked up part way through. I was happy to help, and I hope it’s always a relief to see me coming to help, not a worry that I’ll make a situation worse.
In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul responds to that church about how they were treating a guy who had repented of sin he’d been confronted about in 1 Corinthians. Paul was all for the guy making a clean start but had concerns over the way the rest of the church was treating the guy. Verses 6-7 say, “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”
Sadly many Christians look down on fellow Christians for sinning instead of forgiving and restoring them…even after they’ve repented. Instead of helping, it can be tragically tempting to make situations worse instead of better.
Let’s assume the best about each other, especially fellow Christians, and let’s be quick to forgive when someone repents. That’s some of the most important help any Christian can give to another Christian.