II Corinthians 2:(6)-11 “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.”
As Paul had instructed them, the Church body had met together and turned this man out of the Church because he had committed “fornication” in taking “his father’s wife” (I Corinthians 5:1). It is important to note that this action “was inflicted of many”; that is, the entire Church met together and made this decision as a whole; not just the Pastors or Elders or Deacons. This action was a severe “punishment” to him, for essentially, they had delivered him “unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh” (I Corinthians 5:5). A child of God left to the devices of “Satan” is in great peril of awful misery; for, “Satan” loves to get his wretched hands upon Children of God so that he can “sift” them “as wheat” (Luke 22:31); that is, separate them from all joy and peace and comfort in this present life. It is a dreadful thing to do, but when there are members who commit such dreadful things and will not repent of it, the Church must act. But, as soon as the errant member repents, the Church is to “forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” and “confirm” their “love toward him” (II Corinthians 2:7-8). True godly love is a forgiving love. We have to correct such sinful behavior, but we must also be quick to “forgive” and embrace our repenting Church Family Members with lovingkindness!