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2 Corinthians 2:5-11
In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 the Apostle Paul instructs the congregation of the church at Corinth that when constructive criticism is given, there is also a need for forgiveness and encouragement to that person, for if too much criticism is given in the punishment, that person may become overwhelmed and be pushed away from their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:6-7 (NKJV), “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.” Paul says to “reaffirm” the love that they have for that person (2 Corinthians 2:8).
Paul then turns the tables on the congregation of the church at Corinth and states, “For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things” (2 Corinthians 2:9). Paul then affirms his forgiveness to be included in this process and reminds the Corinthians of the devil’s desire to take advantage of any and every situation to make us all fall.
This is an example of the need for corrective criticism, but also that it be conducted with a proper loving heart with forgiveness being the goal of all parties.
This is a promise that if we fail to forgive, as we too need forgiveness, Satan will rush in and attack us in an attempt to harden our hearts to the instructions given in God’s Word.
It is a common thing to be overbearing in corrective criticism, even though it is meant to be constructive. That means that correction is to be given with a heart that is intent on forgiveness and a reuniting of what was lost because of the initial sin. This is not natural for the human race as the power of the devil has a tight grasp on society and is not conductive of forgiveness. This is only possible through following the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives through salvation in Christ Jesus. We will be conflicted by the vices of Satan to give punishment while Jesus leads us to be forgiving. We still have the ability to make our own choice as to which we will follow; being Christians does not make us robots for God. We will always have our own will in this physical world – the challenge will always be there as Satan will continue to strive to make us fall away from Jesus. Jesus never said that the road of salvation would be easy, but He did say that He would be with us and guide us along it, but we must continually choose to follow Him. The Apostle Peter teaches, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But Jesus teaches us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It is our faith in Jesus that opens the door to salvation; put your trust in Jesus today and He will save you too.
Dear LORD,
Constructive criticism is a thing in today’s worldview that is shunned because there is such a wide teaching of that which is believed by me in my world is all that matters. This is a false teaching, and we need Your help to lead us back to a proper view of Christianity. We all stray from time to time, and we need constructive, corrective criticism to get us back on the right path in Christ Jesus. But we also need Your help to be loving and forgiving in the corrective criticism that we give; and to be receptive to the corrective criticism that we receive. Please help us to see that corrective criticism is for our good to grow in our relationship with You as You lead us in this world that we would bring glory to You through our lives – In Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.