Let me be frank with you for a moment…
Paul spent 18 months in Corinth establishing the church. He worked alongside them and ministered in his free time. He had a deep love for the church. He then heard of their struggles and wrote a poignant letter to them which is 1 Corinthians. Now, in a 2nd letter he shares his very personally with them.
Paul writes, “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4). In dealing with an unforgiving spirit Paul writes, “Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.” (2 Corinthians 2:8). “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Is Satan taking advantage of you? Are you wrapped up in an unforgiving spirit? When we hold on to unforgiveness it spreads like cancer into other areas of our lives. It doesn’t just affect one relationship; it affects all our relationships.
Paul began this letter with grace and peace to the church in Corinth. That was his heart. Paul wrote the earlier letter with much anguish and tears. Paul’s encouragement was and is today, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
The Lord wants to lead us in triumph as well. Triumph over troubles, over trials, and over offense. The question is though… are you walking in triumph in the Lord’s leading or giving the enemy a chance to take hold of your thoughts and actions?
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.