09.10.2016 – New Testament: 2Co 2.10–11

To read the Bible in a year, read Second Corinthians 2 on September 10, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Satan will do anything to have the advantage over us, and it helps him to accomplish that goal when we do not forgive one another. Therefore, Paul taught the Corinthians,

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, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2.10–11). 

The Corinthians had failed to put away a man from among them (1 Corinthians 5), but after Paul told them what to do, the man repented. However, the brethren had failed to receive him back and to forgive him. Therefore, Paul urged them to forgive him, otherwise, Satan would use their failure to forgive against the church, and divide them.

Questions:

• If God can forgive someone, should you not also?
• If God does forgive, but you do not, what does that say about you?