By Pastor Jason Lim
The song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" was a big hit in 1973, and has remained one of the most popular songs in the world today. It is a song about forgiveness and restoration. It tells of a man who has done his time in prison, and who is writing to see if he will be welcomed by his loved one upon his release.
In 2Corinthians, Paul also calls for the church to forgive and receive the penitent sinner. Yes, sin must be dealt with. But when there is repentance, the church should also be quick to forgive and receive, lest the brother sink into excessive sorrow, the people develop hard-heartedness and the church remains divided.
This quickness to restore should also be applied in our marriages and in our relationships.
And we can also be encouraged that the God of the Bible is quick to forgive and receive the penitent.
