The devil's power lies in the sinfulness of man. Christ was sinless so "the ruler of the world" had nothing, no power, over Christ (John 14:30). It is through holding onto our anger over an offense that the devil gains a "foothold" in our lives. That simply means we draw away from godly thinking and are vulnerable to deception and temptation. If we choose to remain angry and unforgiving, temptation will birth sin; and sin separates us from God, as well as, the person with whom we are angry. It is here that the devil's plan is fulfilled--we are separated from God and our fellow man. If the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner saved, the minions of hell likewise rejoice when a sinner chooses to remain in sin and separated from God. (See James 1:13-16; 19-20; Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32)

We have spiritual weapons that have been given us through the all-sufficient might of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10-17). We have our faith and the Word of God. That word is "love and forgive." With it we remain "more than conquerors." Love and forgiveness are the elements of God's faithfulness and the evidence of a Spirit-filled life.

What are the principles of love and forgiveness? (See 1 Corinthians 13; John 15:13; Romans 5:8) The result of God's love and forgiveness through Christ to us is reconciliation (Romans 5:11). Now, not only have we been reconciled to God but He has given us this work of service--reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). If someone has become offended with us, we are to go in love and ask forgiveness, making recompense if necessary (Matthew 5:24). If we have been offended and our brother asks forgiveness, we give it (Matthew 18: 21-35). Even if the offender does not ask, yet we are to forgive (Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25; Luke 23:34). Forgiveness can occur without reconciliation, BUT reconciliation cannot happen without forgiveness! Think about it.

Categories: forgiveness