[5] Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. [6] For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, [7] so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. [9] For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. [10] Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, [11] so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. ~ 2 Corinthians 2:1-11
I never really realized that this well-known verse I’ve quoted so many times was originally in the context of forgiveness. Unforgiveness sows seeds of bitterness within us. Seeds that are easily watered and grow into large strongholds giving birth to anger, pain, envy, and much more.
We forgive because the LORD God has forgiven us. He has given us another chance, taking our sin upon Himself so that we might not perish but have everlasting life.
Pride is one of the easiest strongholds to give into. It’s one that speaks to the flesh, and builds up the desires thereof. It promises to protect you and give you everything you’ve ever wanted. It consumes you and puts you into a spiritual sleep that keeps you from seeing the enemy’s attacks. He’ll use anyone and everyone he can in order to get bitterness planted within you.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Forgive To Uproot.