Today’s text comes just after a long segment on the subject of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11–21). In this light, Paul reminded his readers of the Christians’ standing with God: we belong to Him through His grace, not our goodness. To receive God’s grace and then to be unforgiving is to make His grace vain or empty. His forgiveness compels us to forgive others (Matthew 6:12). Paul offers this reminder as a fellow laborer with God. Paul applies the exalted designation workers together with him