Spiritual Warfare Series — Devotional #4
An Unforgiving Spirit
This week, we continue to answer this critical question:
How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting, and derailing them from being involved in God’s great mission?
As we survey Pauline literature, we will uncover fourteen tactical strategies the enemy uses to attack God’s people—along with specific biblical antidotes to counter them. (See the introduction to this series for the overview.)
Tactic 4: An Unforgiving Spirit
“Forgiveness and restoration are two different acts. Forgiveness can lead to restoration, but restoration is not hinged to forgiveness.” — Gary Rohrmayer
Text:
2 Corinthians 2:7–11
"Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
The Problem
“Satan can use lack of forgiveness and failure to receive one who repents to control a church situation.” — J. Robert Clinton
An unforgiving spirit gives the enemy a foothold, fostering bitterness, division, and stagnation in the life of a believer and the mission of the church.
The Antidote
“Accept those back who God has forgiven and who have shown genuine repentance.” — J. Robert Clinton
Extend forgiveness as God has forgiven you.
Welcome back the repentant with comfort and love.
Guard your heart from bitterness that can poison relationships and mission.
Reflection Questions
What is the difference between forgiveness and restoration?
How can an unforgiving spirit harm the life of a follower of Jesus? (See Ephesians 4:25–32)
How can an unforgiving spirit harm the mission of the local church?
How can a forgiving spirit strengthen the life of a follower of Jesus?
How can a forgiving spirit aid the advancement of the mission of the local church?
Prayer
Father in heaven, protect my soul and Your church from the trap of an unforgiving spirit. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me—with compassion and completeness. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, enable me to put away unwholesome talk about those who have offended me. Teach me to use words that build up the church, promote peace, and exemplify the gospel. Uproot bitterness, rage, unchecked anger, and abusive speech. Help me put on kindness and compassion so the world may see Your forgiveness in action and believe that You sent Your Son as a ransom for sin.
I offer this prayer in the name of my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
