Today, as I write about Paul’s divine thoughts in 2 Corinthians chapter 2, two verses stand out to me. They are: verse 7, “so you should rather turn to forgive him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” and verse 8, “So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.”
Here Paul is desperately trying to offer Godly advice to not only bring brothers together but to strengthen the church as well. In my 40 plus years of serving Christ, I have seen far too many instances of unforgiveness, grudges held, offenses taken rather than laid down. I have seen it build upon itself and ratcheted up and draw others in deepening the chasm between brothers and sisters.
The smallest of things can turn into a mountain of hostility resulting in both parties mired in sin and developing blind spots that could blot out the sun. Forgiving is a choice, both to obey the scriptures and a daily decision to love that person without condition. I know you could espouse “easier said than done” and I would say it only seems that way in the initial heat of the moment and that carrying the offense is far harder in the long run.
My take away is this. Buck against God’s will and see how far you get; submit and see how far God can take you with your repentance. I hope this will shine a light on an area in which many remain in the dark.
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