7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
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.
7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
7 Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it.
7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.
7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:7
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.