"This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man so that on the contrary, you ought to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow." 2 Cor. 2:6-7 NKJ

Even after severely punishing the man who had confronted Paul with false accusations, the members of the church at Corinth were reluctant to forgive him of his sin. Paul tells them that the punishment they had given him was sufficient; he apparently had repented and sought their forgiveness, and it was being withheld. By doing so, they were multiplying his sorrow cruelly and needlessly. Sincere confession and repentance of sins should always be met with instant, full forgiveness and ultimate restoration to the fellowship of believers. "Forgiveness is fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it" -Mark Twain.