2 Chronicles 31-32, 2 Corinthians 2: 1-11, Psalm 119: 169-176
2 Corinthians 2: 10-11 (ESV)
“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I
have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the
presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not
ignorant of his designs.”
Verses 10 and 11 from 2 Corinthians 2 shows Paul asking the
Church of Corinth to forgive the member of the church who had sinned and who repented.
Paul stresses that forgiveness is important because the man who sinned had
repented, and it was now a time of healing in the church. Paul knew that if
church members did not accept the man who sinned back into their fellowship, they
would help Satan cause the man to despair. Satan has many strategies which Paul
said was known to everyone. If we know Satan’s strategies, we must be careful
not fall prey to them. Paul said we need to follow the example of Christ, and
always be kind to people even if they have sinned. We must always be aware of
how we are sinning so Satan cannot take advantage of us.
I know for myself it is easy to hold onto a person’s guilt
and not forgive them. Withholding forgiveness not only hurt me, but it also
sometimes hurt the other person if they wanted to be forgiven. I knew I was
punishing them, but I was so angry at the time. When I was finally able to forgive
the person and told them, they were so joyful and I felt a sense of peace.
Forgiveness always brings peace to you and the other person, especially if they
have repented. Forgiveness is the way of Christ, and as a follower of Christ we
need always try to emulate his ways.
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