Tag: 2 Corinthians 2
Forgiveness Applied!
Scripture reading for July 30: 2 Corinthians 2
“For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 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.” 2 Corinthians 2:6-10
Paul had worked with the Corinthian believers and church leaders through a difficult case requiring church discipline. (1 Corinthians 5) Evidently, this person who had been given over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh was now repentant. Paul urges the church to forgive him as Christ has already forgiven us. Withholding forgiveness can cause excessive sorrow and unnecessary division in Christ’s church. Forgiveness is not saying what was done was now accepted. Forgiveness says that a repentant heart receives grace from God and as God’s family, we also must give grace as Christ gave us grace.
Paul tells how he personally had to forgive members of the church there that had turned against him and spoken critically of his ministry and motives. Paul pointed them to Satan’s designs to cause hatred and distrust and division in Christ’s church. When we forgive, we defuse Satan’s designs and plans. These truths help all of Christ’s followers to see how to operate against a cunning enemy. Forgiveness is a choice that springs from the heart of our Lord Jesus Himself and the Holy Spirit living in us.
Have you ever found it difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply? How does this instruction to the Corinthian church help you to be aware of Satan’s devices against you and the church? Have you ever been repentant but not found forgiveness from the one you wronged, in spite of asking?
Prayer: Father God, I admit that I have struggled to forgive those in the church that have turn against me or falsely accused me. Thank You for leading me to repentance for my attitudes and helping me to be aware of Satan’s devices. Please pour out Your grace on Your church enabling forgiveness. Amen.