2 Corinthians 2. Now if anyone has caused pain… For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so that you should rather turn and forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So, I beg you to reaffirm your love for him (2:5-8).

Based on our recent reading of Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, we know that the congregation was full of issues. Some issues were related to people in obvious, clear-cut sin who needed to be corrected by church leadership (1 Corinthians 5). Some issues were not as clear cut – what we typically think of as gray areas – and there were certainly offenses between various people over these issues (in their case everything from use of spiritual gifts to dress codes to what kind of meat people ate and banquets they participated in). Opportunities for people to take offense were everywhere!

It’s not difficult for us to imagine a situation where someone in the congregation did something blatantly wrong that offended a great many people. Sometimes this happens in our congregations today… And the offending individual is then punished, pushed out of the community, chastised, and made to feel awful because of their behavior. This is the punishment by the majority that Paul references, it’s a community shaming (which may or may not be entirely justified!).

Paul says to be careful here, as the individual who caused pain may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. And so, the task of community leaders is to reach out an offer forgiveness, comfort, and to reaffirm their love for him. The individual is probably painfully aware that they have done something wrong. (If they are not, but remain defiant, well then, I think you can safely show them the door and encourage them to reflect on the situation some more.) But for the one who is self-aware and repentant, do not go on shaming and excluding them… Reaffirming love for that one is very important.

We do not want to be outwitted by Satan and we are not to be ignorant of his designs (2:11). Satan’s strategy in the case of a grave offense and public shaming is multi-pronged. He would like the offender to drown in excessive guilt and sorrow. He would like the community to develop division, to cling to bitterness, and to be unable to let go of shaming behavior. Satan’s ultimate goal is to prevent repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. The community must remain close to God and look for His wisdom, so they are not outwitted by the schemes of the enemy.

Can you think of someone who has done something wrong and been shamed by your community? Could you pray for that person right now? What might your role be in offering comfort and reaffirming your concern for them (without excusing their behavior)?