Thursday, June 18 Sadness in a godly way produces repentance leading to salvation.​—2 Cor. 7:10.

[Áine]

Thursday, June 18

Sadness in a godly way produces repentance leading to salvation.—2 Cor. 7:10.

 

The apostle Paul noted that the “rebuke given by the majority [was] sufficient for such a man.” (2 Cor. 2:5-8) In other words, the discipline had served its purpose toward the man who previously had sexual relations with his stepmother. (1 Cor. 5:1) What purpose? To lead him to repentance. (Heb. 12:11) Paul therefore directed the congregation: “Kindly forgive and comfort” the erring brother, and “confirm your love for him.” Note that Paul wanted the congregation to do more than merely allow the man back among Jehovah’s people. Paul wanted them to assure the repentant man by their words, manner, and actions that they truly forgave him and loved him. They would thus make it clear that they welcomed his return to the congregation. w24.08 15 ¶4; 16-17 ¶6-8