April 17

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

It was most likely the man mentioned in 1 Cor. 5 that Paul is talking about, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that Paul is calling for the church, who did the right thing, to restore this brother, which is what the whole point of anyway. It is interesting that he is talking about forgiveness and then he mentions " in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Think about it.

Forgiveness or the lack thereof, the lack of restoration of relationship has something to do with the schemes of the devil. I won't belabor this point, but will say - are we aware that he wants to divide people? He wants us to stay mad, to hold a grudge, to not forgive another? More than that, satan wants us to think ill of others! We say, "sure, I know that", but do we? If we aren't working towards reconciliation, restoration, continued forgiveness, we are being outwitted! Not just outwitted, but the word means to be exploited or to be taken advantage of. Do you like to be exploited? Do you want that on your gravestone - Here lies _________ she/he was exploited and taken advantage of by satan? No?! Then love everyone like Christ loves you. (I think we stand in His forgiveness.)