Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:1-22)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Yesterday, I wrote about how sad—tragic really—it is when people who call themselves Christians, part of the very body of Christ, bicker over irrelevant things. Even more tragic is when a brother or sister in Christ refuses to forgive another.

So much pain and suffering comes as a result of unforgiveness … and not necessarily for the one who needs to be forgiven.

I’m not certain of the source, but I’ve heard a saying that goes something like: “Anger is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” May I say the same thing about unforgiveness?

When a person refuses to forgive another, bitterness leaches into her own heart and soul. In fact, the other person may not even know he has slighted her. He goes on his merry way, and she is left with a bitter, unforgiving heart.

I think the enemy loves it when we refuse to forgive others. He knows that long-held unforgiveness can steal our focus off of serving and loving others. We can’t allow that to happen.

Even more, who are we who have been forgiven everything to harbor any unforgiveness? Jesus forgave the vilest of sinners—including you and me.

Two last thoughts: first, you can forgive someone even if he never asks for it; and second, forgiveness doesn’t mean approval or reconciliation.

Forgiveness is releasing the burden of anger and bitterness from one’s own heart; it is breaking free from the shackles of unforgiveness.

It is being Christ-like.