Today's passage: 2 Corinthians 2

Most of Paul's letters in the Bible seem to possess a general applicability that transcends audience and time.  But in the case of today's chapter, it feels rather odd reading of Paul's rebuke of the church at Corinth.  The antagonist is not named, but rather Paul mercifully refers to him as "anyone" in verse 5.  Had Paul not done so, this individual would have been known by name even today.  We know some details, but it seems that we are reading a very personal letter from a pastor to his congregation.  In order for us to get the full picture, it would require us to have been a member of that church some 2000 years ago.  Without knowing the exact details of what happened, we can infer a few things:

1. Paul had much tighter reigns on his churches than most modern ones with which I am familiar.  He calls his congregation to punish a member and they responded as desired.  Once the punishment was "sufficient" he called off the dogs.  I suspect that such strictness in churches was not unusual for the time.  This relationship seems more in line with a modern parent-child relationship as opposed to pastor and congregation.
2. In verse 4, Paul explains that his actions were out of love.
3. Once the punishment has been sufficiently rendered, Paul instructs that the offender is to be forgiven, comforted and loved.

This reminds me very much of the "tough love" I benefited from as a child.  Notable punishment was inevitable when I deserved it, but once the point was made and I was repentant, I would be picked back up with reaffirming love.  In my case, it seemed an effective technique.  

In modern times, negative reinforcement is often frowned upon in raising kids, or for that matter, even one's pets.  I can't say if that is right or wrong.  Are the methods of punishment followed by forgiveness and a reaffirmation of love as described in 2 Corinthians a good model for parents (or even pet owners) to follow?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please leave a comment below.