2 Corinthians 2:7

So that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow. [Paul's purpose had been to save this sinner (1 Corinthians 5:5). It seems that a minority had espoused his cause, but the majority had excommunicated him according to the apostle's instruction at 1 Corinthians 5:13. The apostle here writes that this punishment has already proved sufficient, and should not be continued, but that, on the contrary, the offender should be forgiven, received back and comforted, lest he should be swallowed up by despair, and thus the punishment should defeat the very end for which it was designed. We should note here that excommunication and restoration are actions of the church, and not of the officers.]