2 Corinthians Day 11 -
Forgiveness
2:9 For to this
end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in
all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive.
For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your
sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage
of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
This completes the issue of forgiving, loving, and restoring
the man we talked about yesterday.
As a pastor, and a person who grew up in church I can assure
you we struggle with forgiveness as much as anyone. Not only do we struggle but
we barely talk about it. I understand why. It's complex. It's painful. Emotions
run high. Are they sorry? Should it matter if they are? I want to forgive but I
can't. I thought I had forgiven so why are my feelings so strong? Why does it
feel like it just happened every time I see them or think about them? I only
did it once, I am sorry and I'll never do it again. Why am I treated like my
one mistake defines me forever?
It seems so complicated.
In one of my churches I was approached by a member who I
respected about another member and a sin they had committed. I was shocked. As
the conversation continued I found out this sin had occurred decades before yet
they felt more punishment was needed. In another church a member who had a
moral fall was forbidden from doing certain things for years.
It sounds like a similar thing was happening in Corinth. A
man made a mistake. He was sorry. The church wouldn't let it go. He was marked
and defined by his mistake. Paul told them they needed to release him from their
condemnation or the guilt and shame may crush him. Now he takes another step.
He is testing their obedience. He has forgiven this man. He has done this for
their sakes in the presence of Christ. In other words he is asking God to
release the man from his guilt and shame on their behalf. Will they forgive him
themselves?
Paul goes on to say that unforgiveness is a device of Satan.
How? How does he gain the advantage over us by getting us to hold onto offenses
rather than forgiving and letting go?
This comes down to a battle between following Jesus all the
way, or slamming on the brakes and saying "I can't and I won't follow Him
there. He can't ask that of Me!"
Tomorrow we'll explore where Jesus went for us. We'll explore
what the step He took was that we too often refuse to take. We'll look at what
happens in us based on the choice we make. Until then I invite you to take the
time to watch this:
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