Making the Lion Lie Down Hungry: Forgiveness as Preventative Spiritual Warfare in Christian Community
This article explores how forgiveness functions as a form of preventative spiritual warfare based on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. The key points are:
- Unforgiveness leaves churches vulnerable to Satan's schemes by creating disunity
- The Corinthian church needed to forgive and restore a repentant offender
- Paul identifies this act of forgiveness as a way to thwart Satan's plans to exploit division
- Forgiveness must be genuine, not just a façade, to be effective spiritual warfare
- Modern churches still struggle with practicing real forgiveness
Main takeaways:
- Forgiveness is essential for church unity and spiritual protection
- Satan exploits unforgiveness to create division and vulnerability
- Churches must actively practice forgiveness, not just talk about it
- True forgiveness includes:
- Naming the wrong
- Identifying with the offender as a fellow sinner
- Absorbing the debt
- Aiming for reconciliation
- United congregations practicing biblical forgiveness resist Satan's schemes
The article demonstrates how forgiveness isn't just a personal virtue but a vital practice for protecting church unity and resisting spiritual attack. It uses clear language and biblical analysis to make its case, maintaining focus on the practical implications for modern churches.
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