2 Corinthians 2
What can Jesus’ forgiveness forgive?
Not that we want to toe up to that line
to receive “maximum forgiveness”; so to speak. Sometimes people get to a point
where they wonder if they can be forgiven for “that,” or if this time
was one time too many. We might think, “Perhaps Jesus can’t forgive me anymore
because I’ve stumbled here too many times.” That is if we apply this question
to ourselves at all.
Too often we ask this question of others.
Can God forgive him/her for that? We are usually better at applying God’s law
and judgment to others than ourselves.
How great of a sin will Jesus forgive?
Big ones. Great ones. All sin is
forgiven in Jesus’ death.
Paul gives us a picture of that today. If
you read 1 Corinthians, perhaps you remember a man whose sin was so scandalous
that Paul ordered the church to “Deliver this man to Satan for the destruction
of the flesh….” The man had slept with
his father’s wife. In 2 Corinthians 2 we continue his story, “For such a one,
this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive
and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to
reaffirm your love for him.”
Jesus’ forgiveness overwhelms all sin! It
is important for us to cling to that truth.
Paul talks about being “outwitted by
Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.” The name Satan means
“accuser.” Remember that. The Devil is a
liar, a twister of truth, and an accuser.
We have triumph over him in Christ, and
His forgiveness. Always keep that forefront in your mind and heart. Don’t be
accused. Be forgiven. Live in God’s peace, and share that forgiveness. That may
be one of the most powerful examples we ever set in this world, forgiving as
Jesus has forgiven all sinners – even you and me.
Father, I confess that I have sinned against
You, but ask that my sin will not define me.
Let Jesus’ forgiveness declare that I am Yours! Amen.
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