Why you should forgive, friend
I would really like to know what this man, whom Paul mentions in his second letter to the Corinthians, had done wrong, but Paul doesn't tell us.
All we find out is: "The one who caused so much pain has not hurt me so much as he has hurt all of you," referring to the community. (2 Corinthians 2:5 ESV) And interestingly, there's something in parentheses in this verse, which doesn't happen very often. And in these parentheses is something very important: "To avoid being too severe." (2 Corinthians 2:5 ESV)
So, imagine something happens in your community, someone steals from the church collection or something similar. Oh, we would have a lot to say about that! It would be THE topic at every service, every coffee chat...
But Paul simply says: "To avoid being too severe," and then continues: "Let it go! Forgive him now..." (2 Corinthians 2:7 ESV)
THAT is something that absolutely does not come naturally to us humans! Once we've started gossiping and chattering, we don't want to be held back, let alone forgive this person early on!
Where's the fun in that? And that's exactly it. Eventually, we find pleasure in endlessly discussing what happened. Oh, friend, that word in this context... ouch.... but that's exactly what happens when we keep dwelling on the mistakes and failures of others. We don't even realize how much we harm ourselves in the process.
Let me explain. Paul continues and says: "I have forgiven him already in the presence of Christ, because I want to prevent Satan from taking advantage of us." (2 Corinthians 2:10 ESV). Now here it is: "For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV).
Oh yes, we know that very well from John 10:10. He comes to destroy. Not only the affected person, but also you, who keeps bringing up the issue.
Yes, that happens when we give more space to the consequences(!) of a failure than necessary. Therefore: Never give failure more space than the power of forgiveness that you have experienced through Jesus himself.
If you want to live, you should forgive as soon as possible!
You are a miracle!
