Note 7 at 2 Cor. 2:8: Paul is now beseeching the Corinthians to reaffirm their love toward this one. Some translations have rendered this verse, "I beg you to give him some definite proof of your love for him" (A Translator's Guide to Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians [ATG], p. 23).

In verses 7-8, Paul is giving us three definite steps to the total restoration of broken relationships. First, there is the act of forgiveness (v. 7). Secondly, there are steps to console (see note 5 at v. 7) the one who has repented. And thirdly, there should be deliberate acts to prove our love and forgiveness.

It needs to be noted that restoration cannot be accomplished until the one who is being forgiven is repentant. Paul didn't instruct the Corinthians to restore this man in 1 Corinthians 5. It wasn't until after the man repented that these instructions were given.

The scriptures admonish us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us (Col. 3:13). God offered His forgiveness towards us while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8). Therefore, forgiveness was offered to all unconditionally (Lk. 23:34; Ti. 2:11). But only those who receive the offered forgiveness through repentance and faith are received as sons of God.

Likewise, we are to forgive others their trespasses, just as God has forgiven us our trespasses (Mk. 11:25-26). We forgive whether or not the other person repents or wants our forgiveness. But we cannot restore such a person to complete relationship until there is repentance on his part.

Failure to distinguish between forgiveness and restoration with their different conditions, has caused some people to make themselves vulnerable to unscrupulous people with tragic results. In marriage, we should forgive our mate for anything, even adultery. But If there is no true repentance on our mate's part, it would be foolish trust him or her in a sexually tempting situation. We should forgive a business partner for stealing from us whether or not he repents, but that doesn't mean we ought to put ourself in a position to let him do it again. Complete restoration is dependent on repentance.