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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 28

"I have forgiven that one for your sakes..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:10

THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVENESS

The practice of forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential. It was the Lord Jesus who taught His disciples that they must learn how to forgive people (Mark 11:25-26).

“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

1. “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive”

a) If the Corinthians had forgiven the erring and sinful individual
b) Paul declared that he too would exercise forgiveness
i) In his personal capacity.
ii) In his apostolic capacity.

2. “I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ”

a) Forgiveness may be understood in a number of ways.
i) Forgiveness must first be sought from the Lord.
ii) Forgiveness must be sought also from the church community that has been hurt and aggrieved.
iii) Personal forgiveness must be extended as well.
b) Paul’s example of practising forgiveness.
i) He would not personally hold a grudge against a brother who has truly repented.
ii) He would forgive for the sake of the Corinthian brethren.
iii) He knew how painful it must have been for both family and friends who were hurt.
c) In the presence of Christ
i) What Paul said was uttered in the realisation that the Lord Jesus Christ was present.
ii) The idea of the presence of Christ was actually borne in mind.
iii) This was another way of declaring that the erring brother had been officially declared forgiven and he may now be reinstated in full fellowship.

3. “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices”

a) Paul was fully aware of how Satan could take advantage of the church.
b) He could take advantage if the church had not exercised appropriate discipline.
c) He could also take advantage if the church had not exercised forgiveness and restoration.
d) Satan’s desire was to wreak havoc in the church in any way he could!