In 2 Corinthians 2:7-11 Paul states “so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 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 2 take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” There are two directives that Paul gives the church regarding forgiveness. Firstly, if one of our brothers or sisters offends or wrongs us we are to forgive them as Christ forgave us. By taking this step of obedience we automatically release the fruit of KINDNESS. We must remember that Christ himself was obedient to the point of death and it is His KINDNESS that leads us to repentance. We are commanded to be like Christ, dying to ourselves in order that He be glorified in and through us. Thank you Jesus that it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me! Secondly, we are to forgive in order to close all doors to Satan and his devices. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” This verse speaks of the urgency of forgiving one another immediately. We must redeem the time for the days are evil. Let us pray: Help us Lord to be obedient in forgiving one another as you have forgiven us. Let us not allow any root of bitterness to keep us bound. Reveal to us any person or even ourselves that we need to forgive and RELEASE to you! Where the Spirit of The Lord is there is FREEDOM. FREELY WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR FORGIVENESS LET US FREELY GIVE THE SAME. Thank you Jesus for your kindness toward us that while we were yet sinners you gave your life for us. We love you. Amen