Our Scripture reading today is 2 Corinthians 2:10-11.
Verse 11, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
Will we miss what the LORD is trying to tell us this week? Some might say, "Can you take a hint?" In context, we learn from verse 11 what happens when we are unwilling to forgive. When we are ignorant of his devices, he can steal things from us that are most precious to us. Satan can rob us of joy and peace. Before we realize it, we are in the depths of despair and not too sure how we got there. When we are unwilling to forgive someone, we are playing right into the hands of our enemy.
The impact of our refusal to forgive will be felt by several different groups of people: the one seeking forgiveness, the one unwilling to forgive, and the local church. Our ability to forgive comes when we abide in the Vine. If we are not abiding in the Vine, it will be almost impossible to forgive. The last phrase of John 15:5 sums it up, "...for without me ye can do nothing." Nothing includes forgiveness. Allow God to lift a load in your life today by offering forgiveness where it is needed.