Articles
When They Return (Part 3)
Secondly, Paul said the Corinthians should “comfort him.” Consider for a moment the shame and embarrassment that is associated with sin. When one who is immersed in sin finally comes to his right mind, there is great embarrassment, and rightly so. The prodigal reasoned after he had come to his senses, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:19). There should be on our part a response that lets the brother or sister know that they have made the right choice by coming back. We would certainly not want them to “be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Corinthians 5:7). As those who are building up the church rather than tearing it down, we must strive to be encouragers in these situations. Thirdly, Paul told the Corinthians to “confirm your love toward him” That the religion of Christ is a religion of love is beyond question. “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and He “commendeth his love toward us” (Romans 5:8). We are to be a people of love. We must “love the brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17), and we must show that love in action (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 John 3:18). Peter wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22). Notice that our obedience to the Gospel is unto “unfeigned love of the brethren.” Our reception of the penitent is a direct reflection of our attitude toward them and their souls. Any less response would raise a serious question concerning our love. Our love, or lack of love, will be seen in our actions on these occasions. It is certainly a joyous time when the erring comes to his senses and returns unto the Lord and His way. Yet, we must be aware of the trepidation that may exist on the part of the one who is returning. We should join in the joy of heaven and rejoice when they have come home. We must forgive, comfort, and confirm our love on these most joyous occasions. May we meditate on these things as we study our Bibles more and more
