Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (II Corinthians 2:10, 11 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Forgive
I drink a lot of Diet Coke. One friend recently challenged me about this. He pointed out that caffeine, weird non-sugars, and carbonation are not ideal for my body.
I still drink Diet Coke.
But I appreciated his willingness to point out something I was doing that was, in his mind, dangerous.
Even worse than caffeine, weird non-sugars, and carbonation is our unwillingness to forgive others.
We have legions of reasons to not forgive, of course. When someone hurts, offends, or wrongs us we yearn for justice. The idea of forgiving too early is associated with being a doormat. Forgiveness is often seen as a part of justice, and so we withhold forgiveness until we observe repentance, change, or deep remorse.
So when we notice someone not forgiving, we are understanding. When we notice someone not forgiving, we do not challenge them. When we notice someone not forgiving, we credit them with standing fast, teaching true repentance, or defending the truth.
But notice that Paul forgives. He has had conflict in the church in Corinth, and probably has a few reasons to hold a few grudges. He understands motivations and sees those who are opposing the gospel as worth opposing themselves.
But whatever had happened in Corinth… Paul forgave.
But the point here is not simply urging is to be more forgiving. The point is actually to urge others to forgive. That is why Paul is bringing this issue up.
Rather than understand, accept, and encourage the lack of forgiveness he sees around him, Paul wants us to urge others to forgive.
Because not forgiving is dangerous.
When we notice a friend or family member, a Christian brother or sister, justifying a lack of forgiveness, follow Paul’s example. Urge them to forgive.
The lack of forgiveness, however justified it seems, leads to selfishness, hatred, and fear.
Fear not, then forgive.