The Power of Forgiveness

2 Corinthians 2:9–11: For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Christ’s forgiveness. What we must see is that the power to forgive was given to Paul “in the presence of Christ” (literally, “in the face of Christ”), as Christ looked on in approval and empowerment. Jesus Christ taught that unwillingness to forgive is evidence of not having experienced his forgiveness. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask him to effect this reality: “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). The Lord drives the truth home in no uncertain terms in the next sentence after the great prayer: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (6:14, 15). ¹

Personal Application

• Read Matthew 6:5-7. What does Jesus say after the words: “when you pray.”

Godly Encouragement

• “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

Prayer unlocks the heart to forgive others, just like Jesus forgave you. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, thank You for teaching me that prayer can protect me from spiritual attacks.