When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus, and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5).

Wow

I mean…

Wow

It’s hard to get past that line–”Hand this man over to Satan…”

I can’t really convey to you just how very much I never want to hear those words referencing  me.

But, of course, it’s essential to get past that line, so that you get to the heart of the matter. Paul is looking to help this man, to bring him back to Christ. If that means casting him out of fellowship–in essence, letting Satan have him–then so be it. Paul knows that this might just be what it takes to humble him and bring him to repentance. Ultimately, that’s all that matters to Paul.

Call it tough love–equal parts tough and love.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved