25 Sep October 7th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

FORGIVE IN OBEDIENCE TO JESUS

2 Corinthians 2:9-11 “Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.  Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

Critics of the Bible and the Christian church state that when it comes to personal sins, the Church and individual Christian have no business sticking their nose into another person’s business.  For the Church or an individual Christian to point out the sin of another is totally wrong.

The whole focus of Paul’s first and second letter to the Corinthians was upon the responsibility the congregation and individual Christians have to point out to unrepentant sinners their sins with the goal (yesterday’s devotion) that they repent, be forgiven and restored.  Jesus taught, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)  St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Your brother or sister’s sins are your business.  Not so you can use their sins against them.  Rather, since impenitence brings God’s condemnation, making yourself aware of their sins in order to point them out and urge them to repent is a loving act.  You have the condition of their soul as your concern.  Your goal is that they recognize their sin, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness for Jesus’ sake.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul had pointed out a number of sins that needed to be addressed.  It took some time, but by the time he wrote his second letter the congregation had properly dealt with the sins and those who had committed them.  Today’s devotional verse is Paul’s response to the congregation having confronted the sinners and their sins. “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake . . .” Forgiveness was the goal.  Restoration was the result.

The sins of your neighbor and fellow Christian are your business.  You are to care for all aspects of their life, including the condition of their soul.  Calling their attention to their sin and God’s offer of forgiveness is a loving work “. . .  in order that Satan might not outwit us.”

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You taught me to pray “ . . .and forgive me my sins as I forgive the sins of others.”  Enable me to forgive the sins of others.  In Your name.  Amen.

“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” You taught us, Lord, to pray;

But You alone can grant us grace To live the words we say.

How can Your pardon reach and bless The unforgiving heart

That broods on wrongs and will not let Old bitterness depart?

In blazing light Your cross reveals The truth we dimly knew:

What trivial debts are owed to us, How great our debt to You!

Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls And bid resentment cease;

Then, bound to all in bonds of love, Our lives will spread Your peace.

(LSB 843)