Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2)

Why is it easier to push someone away after they have wronged you than it is to offer forgiveness?

In 1 Corinthians 5, St. Paul tells us how “a little yeast leavens all the dough,” whereas the test is hatred and desire to do evil. Since that little “yeast” can spread and grow, and we should put out the old “yeast” and celebrate ourselves anew, like feasts with unleavened bread. He wanted us to remove from ourselves, our groups, our Church communities those people who had hatred and desire to do evil. Because those negative things can spread in a group, one person after another. He said those people should be separated, outside the groups. Paul was urging us to be tough enough to turn away “anyone named a brother” if they led immoral lives. 

Now here in 2 Corinthians 2, he is urging us to forgive those we have turned away if they have truly repented of their evil desires. “Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love for him (verse 8).” Those who have sinned against us have sinned against the Christian community as a whole. After that person has repented, they should know they are still loved even though their actions were not. As Christians, we are urged so many times to forgive others. It is part of our duty. Through forgiveness, grace is found. If we want the to find Jesus, we must lead the way, If we held a transgression over someone, and never offered forgiveness though they have seriously repented, we are holding contempt in our heart. And that is only opening the door for Satan. 

Satan is always lurking behind a corner, waiting for Christians to make a mistake so he can slide he way in their lives. Lust, greed, anger are all easy ways for Satan to get a foothold in our soul. Like a weed, once seed takes root, it will choke off all the thriving plants. Like allowing sins to happen without punishment  to causes more sin to happen, lack of forgiveness will prevent other forgiveness. If we don’t stop Satan in his tracks, we are preventing someone else from learning how Jesus wants us to forgive. Yank the weed out of your soul. Open your heart to the one who has wronged you. Show them true forgiveness, that they may see Jesus through your love.