Plans - 2/13/2010

2 Corinthians 2:10, "If you forgive someone, I also forgive him. ... I did this so that Satan would not win anything from us, because we know very well what Satan's plans are."

Do we know very well what Satan's plans are, as Paul writes here? He seems pretty clear here that Satan not only exists, but has plans to win something from us. So, what might Satan want to win from us?

I think the more important question actually is not to ask what Satan wants, but what does God want? I heard a convincing argument once that the very nature of Satan and all evil in general is quite simply the opposite of God's nature. What God has declared to be good, Satan purposefully lies about; arguing that the opposite of what is good should not only be acceptable, but normal. Jesus said, "...when [Satan] lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).

So, what does God want then? I think getting to know God and His nature - learning to value what He values - will make it clear. Following God is not about following His rules, it is about developing a relationship with Him. Everything else will follow that. This can help us see what Satan wants to win from us.

In this particular scripture, Paul is talking specifically about forgiveness. It seems from this verse that refusing to forgive is specifically how Satan can win something from us. We do in fact know what his plans are! He plans to use unforgiving hearts to turn us against each other - husband against wife, father against son, friend and brother against each other. This will take the focus off of God and put it on each other, and on hate - the opposite of God since He is love. That's what makes it evil. This must be why it is written, "...do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:26-27).

If we have been so freely forgiven for all the ways we've offended God, how then can we refuse the same forgiveness to others? Remember the parable of the master who refused to forgive his servant after receiving forgiveness himself!

But what about revenge! What about all the crap that goes on unpunished? I remember a pastor asking the question once, "What if your refusal to forgive others replaces the punishment God has in store? What if, according to His law, that person is already being punished by your grudges?" Perhaps that is what is meant by Paul's words, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19).

I often think of the quote I share with my students when we study Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, "Forgiveness is for the forgiver, not the forgiven." When you wake up mad at someone, do they share in those emotions? Of course not! They continue living their lives while you suffer in bitterness, the focus taken off of God, and possibly His vengeance postponed or replaced. They do not share in your suffering. So, you forgive them as the only way to release their control in your life, thereby putting the focus back on God, and leaving Him to deal with them as He sees fit since "it is His to avenge." Justice belongs to Christ Jesus - so we must regularly give it back to Him. This can only be done through the regular forgiveness of those who do anything against us - thereby circumventing Satan's plans to win from us all we have gained through Christ.

Thank you Jesus for offering us a relationship with you that allows us to learn about who you are and what you value. Thank you for being good, for being loving, and for your forgiveness.

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