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“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 write that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything . . . so that you will not be outwitted by Satan for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:7-9, 11(ESV)
We continue to look at Paul’s thoughts on forgiveness. He tells the believers at Corinth and us to reaffirm our love for those who have offended us. Sometimes we forget to remind them that we confront them about the hurt they caused and actually make the problem bigger. A dear friend, now living in heaven, used to say she would, “speak the truth, in love,” when she had to counsel someone in a sticky situation or one who had a concern.
Looking back on those times, I realize she was tempering her remarks with her concern for the souls involved, especially the ones to whom she talked. She lived close to the Lord and studied her Bible daily. She walked her talk.
Living in our present world, we have to be aware of the enemy’s presence in our daily lives, our homes, our business world, and our church families. His style is to divide and conquer. When we are aware of his tactics and seek to stop him, we are able to grow closer to the Lord.
The Apostle Peter tells us to, “Be sober-minded; be watchful.Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8, ESV) I believe this admonition is something we, all of us, take to heart.
Love and forgiveness are clearly intertwined in scripture. Appreciate this timely reminder, Cecelia. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKaren: Thank you for taking the time to stop in. We have to realize that love and forgiveness go hand in hand. Peae to you and yours.
DeleteI was taught a few years ago to pray for those that I held resentment for. I was told to pray for the things that I wanted for myself for them and do it for two weeks that I'd be free of that resentment and sure enough, it worked. I was set free. Great post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteElsie Amata
I am learning to pray for those who cause frustration to me when I think of them. Years ago, someone advised me to pray for this one person whenever I thought she would be at a certain meeting or activity. It worked she did not cause issues or hard feelings of those who were around her.
DeleteI've witnessed many times when people of faith...in the same body of believers...would let Satan come in and divide and conquer...and cause so much hurt and sorrow unnecessarily. It is difficult at times like that to even begin to confront and help people to realize what's happening. There have been times when we've just had to walk away...and forgive them...for they knew NOT what they were doing...and pray that God would show them in His time. So sad. But human beings are like that. Learning to LOVE and FORGIVE is not always easy...and it comes through growing in Christ, often through tears and sorrow. We must always strive to do our part to show Christ's love and forgiveness...but we can't force people to accept it. That is an act of God in their hearts that may take some time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this thought provoking post today. I love your faithfulness to the Word.
Pam: This statement speaks to me. "Learning to LOVE and FORGIVE is not always easy...and it comes through growing in Christ, often through tears and sorrow." We have to forgive, if not God will not forgive us. We deal with the influence of the enemy every day and don't always realize it. Peace to you and yours.
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