The Devotional – 1081 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1081 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

No doubt we have covered this thought before; bitterness and resentment is a cloak. When it is on us it is an invisible charm and it does more harm to the one wearing it than the one whom forgiveness is needed. In fact, we know people don’t we who are the best of friends, but when one is alone with one of them the back biting tongue is incredibly cruel. We think, how can these folks be friends at all? The truth is, they are not friends in that sense but they are “two of one kind!” Romans 2:1 – sums this up clearly. 

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 2:3-11

Someone has said that, “the best defense is a better offense”. I suppose that if we are to live and be a doer of the works of the world, then the statement could hold some creditability. However as Children of God by faith in Jesus Christ our best defense against all offense is to know the “love” of God that surpasses all understanding which the apostle in these passages clearly has for those Corinthians – Philippians 4:6-7.

The events in 2 Corinthians are real time events that are recorded for us in the Word of God, there are at least four emotions that the apostle is sorting through: (1) sorrow (2) joy (3) tribulation and (4) anguish of heart. So the question, if you have one and if not I will supply one! From a pastoral observation of the congregation, should there not be joy and love at work in the apostle’s heart, instead of sorrow and love?

Here is a thought! We would not argue that as children of God we are a “forgiven” people as individuals and as a remnant. John 1:29, Psalm 103:10-12 and lastly Micah 7:18-19. Should we not then be doers of forgiveness? Now I am speaking mildly but this is no mild subject. We carry about in our heart, long time grudges and we openly say that we have forgiven. But let us not put that to the test because we fail the test.

While we should not be ignorant of the advantage that Satan can gain over a congregation that is of a bitter spirit, but the truth is we actually ignore it. What I mean is that we are “knowingly ignorant”. We know the trouble caused by sin, yet we ignore the sin while we practice it – Psalm 66:18. Can we do better? Yes, yes we can and we will as the LORD God provides.