What is Forgiveness? Part 2

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.  So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.  Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.  ⁹For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.  To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:6-11

What accompanies forgiveness? Riccipedia is not very musical, but this word reminds Riccipedia of music.  What are the harmony, chords, and whatever other musicy terms you would like to throw in, that are the companions to Christlike, tenderhearted and kind, forgiveness?

Comfort.  Strengthening the very one who has come for forgiveness.  God using humans vessels and His Word to build up the body by His grace and mercy.

Love.  Godlike, unconditional love in action.  Not just words, but to “confirm”, to truly display, the love of Christ for the forgiven.

Obedience.  Obedience to the command to forgive.  Forgiveness is not an option.  If we do not forgive others, God does not forgive us.  The standard of forgiveness is found in Ephesians 4, “even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  That is a high, high standard.    

Why?

From this passage, so that Satan will not have the victory.  Lack of forgiveness is one of the great deceiver’s devices in seeking to destroy the body of Christ.  Of course, he will not ultimately be victorious, but he can inflict much damage by deluding us with a shallow forgiveness that is not of Christ.

As a final note, a praise to God for Pastor Jon’s biblical, sincere,  and practical message on forgiveness.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,   That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21