02
Forgiveness Outwits Satan
John Tilton2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. 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.
I love the fact that when we forgive others, our act of forgiveness actually thwarts Satan’s plans. The act is empowered by our eyes being focused on Christ, which is why are able to focus on forgiveness rather then righting the wrong brought upon us. When we realize that there is a battle going in the principalities, we are able to see the bigger picture of what the priority is in the heavenly, which is unveiled and which takes place here on earth. Yet, our victory over Satan is manifested both here and in the heavenly.
I’ve always had a propensity to desire and work toward fairness and justification. Perhaps not with vengeance in mind, but clearly identifying and seeking acknowledgement of wrong done and retribution sought to some extent. I’ve desired that my personal need of righting a wrong be met before I would be able to wholeheartedly forgive. However, I see that my eyes being set on Jesus’ sacrifice is the example for me to suppress my needs for the bigger priority and prize of having power over Satan by dying to self and following in the steps of Christ. My forgiveness then is enabled and empowered by the victory of outwitting Satan’s plan and realizing that people are people in terms of the propensity to do things for self and pride. However, this is what specifically is overcome by victory in Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for the insight and understanding of how I am able to turn the table on Satan on what he attempts to kill, steal and destroy; into victory for the will and plan of Christ, as well as my ability to overlook vengeance and retribution toward forgiveness and ultimate victory! I am blessed!
