If God has not forgiven us, we are still in our sins. If God has not forgiven us, we are awaiting the fearful wrath and judgment of God. But because God has forgiven us through the unmerited favour of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we no longer are at enmity with God but was reconciled to the Father in a blessed familial relationship enjoying peace and joy in our hearts.

William MacDonald observed well, “Paul’s concern in this matter was not simply personal vindication or primarily that an erring brother be brought in line but that the Corinthian congregation could demonstrate the strength of their commitment to Paul (cf. 7:2). Their love and devotion to him would be affirmed by their being obedient to his directives (cf. John 15:14).”