2 Corinthians 2:1-11.          

We all from time to time do things that we know are going to ruffle feathers. There are occasions when we unintentionally upset the apple cart, even though we might work to be mindful of others. Relationships are messy and sometimes difficult. There are times when we’re not doing the ruffling or upsetting, but someone else is.

If it’s something close to breaking the camel’s back, it can be difficult to want to restore the relationship. Hurt, pain, or frustration has been committed, and if we aren’t guarding our hearts, we might want to make them pay for it. We can make people jump through hoops of penitence and restitution before we absolve them of their actions.

Paul writes to the Corinthians to hold them in check. He’d been grieved by someone’s actions, and he knew the congregation had been as well. He forgave the person and expected the congregation to as well. We all mess up. We all can get sideways from time to time. At the heart of our shared Christian community is forgiveness and comfort.

Who in your life needs to be comforted and extended an olive branch?

Author: Michael Scarlett