(2Co 2:14) “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”  The believer’s view of life is to extend beyond this life, encompassing not only now, but eternity. No matter what takes place here, which many times  is of God with an eternal plan, we are victorious.

(2Co 2:12) 
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, (13)  I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.”  As believers, we often think we should never be overly concerned about anything. Here, Paul is so concerned about Titus it disturbed his spirit. He acted, leaving an open door. Some wouldn’t hesitate to call this sin. Not so here where the Holy Spirit could have plainly stated it as such. We “are” to love and care for others. It is of God.

(2Co 2:12) “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,…”  Because of the teaching of the great need of the gospel, our perspective is that all doors are open to me. But remember, at one  point Paul was prohibited by the Spirit to go to Asia (Acts 16:6). The Lord opens doors where He desires, proving He is Sovereign even in the matter of the giving forth of the gospel.

(Co 2:10) “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (11)  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”  He’s referring to a lack of forgiveness. One who does not desire to forgive desires to hurt the other person. Like most of Satan’s lies, the hurt is to our own souls.

 (2Co 2:10) “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;”  The life of the Believer is to be one that seeks to reflect Christ Jesus rather than “a good side of self”.  Question: “How can one truly and honestly reflect Jesus if they have not earnestly studied His beliefs and actions found in the Bible?” 

(2Co 2:9) “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.”  For many years as a Pastor, I thought all you have to do is teach professing believers the truth and they would do it. Sadly, that is not true. Love for self should never come before love of our God and Savior. May God help us to love Him as we ought.

(2Co 2:8) “Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”  The Lord desires us to “hate” sin (Ps 97:10; Ps 101:3; Ps 119:104, 113; 128; 163; Prov 8:13). Yet, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to love the sinful brother through us. If we do not, our love is for self and not for God Whom true believers seek to please (1 Jn 3:14;4:8, 20). Pray for the soul of he who claims to be saved yet holds hatred for a brother.

(2Co 2:7) “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”  This “sorrow” is an indication of the desire to do right, to be forgiven. It is a fallacy that one must forgive the person regardless of whether they desire forgiveness or not. Yes, our hearts are to forgive – period. But fellowship restored is upon the act of desiring to be forgiven: (Luk_17:4) “And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”  Our Lord requires it (Luke 13:3,5; etc). We are to be like our Lord, not somehow better.

(2Co 2:7) “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”  The purpose of “going to your brother” or having to “bring it before the church” (Matt 18:17) is to bring about the repentance and thus the “good” of the saved sinner. So, if he repents at any time we are to immediately receive him with open arms.

(2Co 2:5) “But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. (6)  Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.”  The Holy Spirit was teaching this church that since a member’s actions affect them (judgment falls on all), then they are to choose and administer the judgment. Paul, as their missionary could have; but shouldn’t have to.