The
church of Christ
"Thoughts for the New Year"
Introduction
As we step into a new year, many look
forward with hope while trying to leave
behind the pain of the past. Some even
celebrate what’s called “Good Riddance
Day” — a symbolic act of discarding past
grievances. But as Christians, our
version of “good riddance” is rooted in
something much deeper and holier:
forgiveness. In 2 Corinthians
2:5–11, Paul urges the church at Corinth
to not just discipline, but to forgive —
for their own spiritual health, and for
the restoration of the one who repented.
This lesson is a call to let go, move
forward, and enter the new year with
hearts aligned with the mercy and grace
of God.
Forgiveness Shows God’s Mercy
(2
Corinthians 2:5–6)
Paul acknowledges the grief caused by a
certain man in Corinth — likely the same
man from 1 Corinthians 5 who was
disciplined for grave sin. The
congregation had taken the necessary
disciplinary action, and Paul now says,
“This punishment… is sufficient.”
Forgiveness does not ignore sin; it
acknowledges it and seeks change. But
when repentance occurs, mercy must
follow. Psalm 103:8–9 reminds us: “The
Lord is compassionate… He will not
always accuse.” If God didn’t hold a
grudge, why should we? Forgiveness is
not soft on sin — it is strong in love.
If we want mercy, we must be merciful.
Forgiveness Restores the Sinner
(2
Corinthians 2:7–8)
Paul tells the Corinthians to forgive
and comfort the penitent man so that he
is not “swallowed up with too much
sorrow.” This echoes the story of the
prodigal son in Luke 15. The elder
brother could not celebrate his
brother’s return because of pride.
Sometimes we fall into the same trap,
thinking,
I
didn’t make those bad choices. But
we forget —
we
all have sinned. Forgiveness
welcomes the sinner back, guards their
dignity, and strengthens their soul.
Love doesn’t humiliate; it heals. And
love “covers a multitude of sins” (1
Peter 4:8).
Forgiveness Demonstrates Obedience
(2
Corinthians 2:9)
Paul explains that part of why he wrote
was to “test” the church — to see
whether they would obey God in all
things. Forgiveness is a mark of true
obedience. It’s not easy, especially
when we’ve been hurt deeply. But
Christianity is not about what’s easy —
it’s about doing what pleases God. We
must let go of bitterness and release
the hold that past wrongs have over us.
To forgive is to obey.
Forgiveness Reflects the Character of
Christ
(2
Corinthians 2:10)
Paul says, “If I have forgiven anything…
I have forgiven… in the presence of
Christ.” He includes himself in the
process. Forgiveness isn’t just a duty —
it is a gift, just like the forgiveness
we received from Jesus. How can we hold
back what God so freely gave us? If we
ever doubt what love and forgiveness
look like, we need only look to the
cross. Jesus suffered so we could be
forgiven. When we forgive, we mirror the
heart of Christ.
Forgiveness Stops Satan’s Schemes
(2
Corinthians 2:11)
Paul warns that an unforgiving spirit
gives Satan an opportunity. Like a
military strategy, Satan looks for
openings — and bitterness is one of his
favorite strongholds. He will use
unresolved anger, grudges, and
resentment to divide us, distract us,
and destroy our joy. If we let those
things fester, we become cold, harsh,
and spiritually weak. But forgiveness
closes the door to the devil’s plans. It
sets us free and protects our hearts.
Conclusion: A New Year’s Challenge
As we begin this new year, let us
resolve to let go of what weighs us
down: anger, bitterness, pride, blame,
and grudges. Let’s say
good riddance to the chains of the
past. Ask God to help you forgive as He
forgave you. Forgiveness does not deny
justice — it proclaims grace. Jesus died
to make it possible. So as we move
forward, may we be a people known for
mercy, full of grace and truth, quick to
forgive, and eager to restore.
Exhaustive Sermon Outline:
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I. Introduction
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New year = new beginnings
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Letting go of the past through biblical forgiveness
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2 Corinthians 2:5–11 as our guiding text
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II. Forgiveness Shows God’s Mercy (vv. 5–6)
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The offender grieved the church
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The punishment was sufficient
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Mercy is a divine attribute (Psalm 103:8–9)
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We are never more like Christ than when we forgive
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III. Forgiveness Restores the Sinner (vv. 7–8)
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Forgive and comfort the penitent
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Reference to Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
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Avoid elder brother pride
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Forgiveness protects dignity, promotes healing
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IV. Forgiveness Demonstrates Obedience (v. 9)
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Paul tested their faith by calling for obedience
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Forgiveness is a command, not a suggestion
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Letting go requires strength and faith
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V. Forgiveness Reflects the Character of Christ (v. 10)
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Paul forgives in the presence of Christ
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We forgive because we’ve been forgiven
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True forgiveness is rooted in the cross
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VI. Forgiveness Stops Satan’s Schemes (v. 11)
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Bitterness opens the door for Satan
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His schemes sow division and despair
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Forgiveness defeats his plan and brings spiritual freedom
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VII. Final Challenge
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Let go of:
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Anger
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Bitterness
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Finger-pointing
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Critical spirit
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Embrace:
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Grace
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Truth
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Mercy
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Forgiveness
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Call to Action:
What will you carry into the new year?
Hurt, pride, resentment… or grace,
truth, and forgiveness? Make this the
year you say
good riddance to every weight that
hinders your walk with God. Let the
blood of Christ cleanse you. Let the
heart of Christ reshape you. And let the
mercy of Christ move you to forgive.
Scripture Reference List:
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2 Corinthians 2:5–11 – The main text on forgiveness and restoration
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Psalm 103:8–9 – God is merciful and slow to anger
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Luke 15 – The parable of the prodigal son and the elder brother
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1 Peter 4:8 – Love covers a multitude of sins
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1 Corinthians 11:30 – The danger of self-righteousness during communion
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Hebrews 12:15 – Bitterness defiles many
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Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another, as God forgave you
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John 13:34–35 – By our love, all will know we are His disciples
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO