17. (a) What situation developed in first-century Corinth, and how did Paul advise those in the congregation to handle the matter? (b) Why was Paul’s admonition practical, and how can we apply it today? (See also box at right.)

¹⁷ To help us examine ourselves in this regard, consider what happened about the year 55 C.E. in Corinth. There, a man who had been expelled from the congregation finally cleaned up his life. What were the brothers to do? Should they view his repentance with skepticism and continue shunning him? On the contrary, Paul urged the Corinthians: “You should kindly forgive and comfort him, that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad. Therefore I exhort you to confirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:7, 8) Often, repentant wrongdoers are particularly susceptible to feelings of disgrace and despair. Hence, these ones need to be reassured that they are loved by their fellow believers and by Jehovah. (Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 1:12) This is vital. Why?

¹⁹ If they now swung to the other extreme and refused to forgive the repentant one, Satan would be overreaching them in another direction. How? In that he could take advantage of their being harsh and merciless. If the repentant sinner became “swallowed up by his being overly sad”—or as Today’s English Version renders it, “so sad as to give up completely”—what a heavy responsibility the elders would bear before Jehovah! (Compare Ezekiel 34:6; James 3:1) With good reason, after cautioning his followers against stumbling “one of these little ones,” Jesus said: “Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin give him a rebuke, and if he repents forgive him.”a—Luke 17:1-4.