BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP

I think all families have black sheep.

In some families the black sheep is simply the odd person out. Perhaps his interests are different, or he has a different sense of humor.

In other families, it is the black sheep who makes himself out to be so. Perhaps he actively avoids the family, or perhaps he even betrayed the family in some way.

Black sheep, though, don’t just happen within genetic families. They also happen within intentional communities, such as church families. Unfortunately, this happens quite a bit when one person offends or insults another person.

LITTLE THINGS CAN GROW INTO BIG THINGS

If we’re not careful, what may start out as simply a misunderstanding can escalate into a full schism, which effects the entire community.

And this can lead to permanent damage!

EVEN PAUL WAS INSULTED IN ONE OF HIS CHURCHES

Most of us know that St. Paul established many communities around the ancient Mediterranean world. One such community was in Greece at Corinth.

After establishing the community in Corinth, he moved on to continue his work in another city. Questions arose about various matters – mostly about how to live a life in Christ – and so Paul wrote back to them with answers (I Corinthians).

At some point, Paul returns to Corinth. While he’s there, a “super apostle” shows up, and he isn’t nice!

This super apostle insults Paul by attacking him personally! Could you imagine treating a saint this way?

PAUL LEAVES CORINTH IN HUMILIATION

Paul, being a humble person, leaves Corinth humiliated and embarrassed. Out of anger he writes a letter to the Corinthians, and he rebukes them (this letter has been preserved in 2 Corinthians 10-13).

THE CORINTHIANS DECIDE TO PUNISH THE OFFENDER

The Corinthians receive Paul’s letter, and they realize that it wasn’t right that they let the super apostle insult and embarrass Paul.

So what do they do? They punish the offender, this super apostle.

Then, to try and fix their relationship with Paul, they write him back and tell him that they have punished this person.

PAUL SAYS THAT THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFENDERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSOLATION

Paul is shocked by the news! How could the Corinthians have punished the offender? But isn’t this what he wanted?

Paul writes another letter (preserved in 2 Corinthians 1-9). Here’s what he says,

But if any one has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure–not to put it too severely–to you all. For such a one this punishment by the majority is enough; so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, to keep Satan from gaining the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (2Co 2:5-11 RSV)

In other words, Paul says that the proper way to treat the offender is to console him!

They were to FORGIVE, COMFORT, and LOVE him – not punish him!

Paul says that by doing this, they show that they have understood the gospel of Jesus Christ. God was willing to send his son, out of love, to be crucified so that humanity can be reconciled to him.

So, by loving the one who offends, we are participating in the love of the cross!

WE TOO SHOULD CONSOLE THOSE WHO OFFEND US

Every day we have the possibility of coming into contact with someone who may have offended us.

At home.

At work.

At school.

At church.

At the club.

At the gym.

Anywhere.

So everyday becomes a chance for us to practice Paul’s words, and love.

And, everyday becomes a reminder of the crucified Christ and God’s love.

P.S. PAUL ASKS US TO LOVE, EVEN THOSE WHO OFFEND US

Paul once went to church at Corinth, and left humiliated having been offended by someone. In response, the Corinthians punished the one who had offended Paul.

Paul, however, recalls Christ crucified, which is the good news of God reconciling the world to himself. With this in mind, Paul asks the Corinthians not to punish the offender, but to forgive, comfort, and love the offender.

This is the gospel message and it’s very powerful! So powerful, in fact, that it’s transformative. I invited you all to come to St. Elias (or your nearest Orthodox Church), and be transformed by this message (10:30 Sundays, 2001 Asbury Rd, Dubuque).