The Truest Test of Obedience

2 Corinthians 2:9 KJV

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

Every indication is that this is a reference to the man Paul had told them to remove from the church back in First Corinthians chapter five. They had been overly lenient in that case, reveling in grace and refusing to address the immorality of the young man. Paul's counsel then was to deliver the man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. His sin had to be dealt with. He could not be, should not be ignored. 

The church had followed Paul's admonition. We do not know any of the details but we do know that repentance happened and a turning from the sin took place. Now it was Paul's counsel to restore this man into the fellowship of the church and completely forgive him. Paul indicated that if they did that he would have proof of their obedience "in all things". 

It is one thing to judge a wrong. Though we might be lazy about judgment sometimes and though many times we are lenient especially, to those we love; even a parent understands when their child must be judged if the crime is heinous enough. Judgment is a much more natural response than Paul's second instruction- to forgive.

• To really release the offending party from any repercussions
• To restore them into fellowship as if the offense had never taken place

This is the truest test of obedience to the Scriptures. 

Perhaps God allows us to be offended, sinned against, to prove us and to see if we will obey not only in righteous judgment against sin but in absolute forgiveness and restoration in the case of repentance.