2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Teamwork is a powerful concept that when functioning according to its definition, can prove to yield formidable outcomes. In sporting events where teams are comprised, ever player position is important. When one player does well, the entire team benefits. But in those moments when someone makes a mistake (similar to J.R. Smith in game two of the recent NBA finals), everyone else suffers as well.

In-game struggles can either hurt a team, or make them better. It all depends on how the other teammates handle the player who messed up. When dealing in forgiveness, the most important thing to monitor is one’s approach to the offended. The worst thing you can do to someone who has fallen in error, is to make them feel worse than they already are for making the mistake. Criticism and personal opinion should be last on your list of reproach while confronting such persons.

Paul urged the church at Corinth to forgive and comfort those who had done wrong. When a person has been judged for their mistakes, Paul said it’s pointless to continue hounding them for what they had done. The person already suffered enough, so constant criticism could destroy their life or cause other major problems to occur.

Just as the opposing team can notice when their rival is showing discord in their huddle, the devil can sense when the church isn’t working together. He takes full advantage of these opportunities to sow seeds of wickedness in order to cause more division and separation among the body of Christ.

Love others the same way you desire to be loved. When they fall, help them up, and restore them back to their place in God. Be mindful not to overstep your boundaries by judging others for their misfortune, because sooner or later, you’ll find yourself in that same position. And the same person you judged will eventually witness how you handle being judged yourself.

Unlike sporting events, the game of life never ends, and our adversary the devil will continue looking for ways to separate the church. As the body of Christ, let’s stay jointly fitted together, and stand strong so that no matter what comes against us, we will overcome it.

Seek peace,

Ell