2 Corinthians 2:8-11 “I wrote for this purpose: to test your character to see if you are obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I do, too. For what I have forgiven–if I have forgiven anything–it is for your benefit in the face of Christ, so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

Over thirty years ago Rob and Nancy’s oldest daughter was killed by a drunk driver. At the man’s sentencing, the family gave the man the opportunity to apologize and offered him their forgiveness. The man felt sorry only for himself and the consequences of his murderous act. He never really accepted the forgiveness offered. But Rob and Nancy could go on in peace.

Few things are harder than forgiving someone who has wronged us. It is hard to get past the feeling that something has been taken from us. In many cases it can’t be restored. Pain can’t be unfelt. Time can’t be turned back. Words can’t be unsaid or unheard. A human life can’t be replaced.

Whether we are forgiving as individuals or as a church, it is better for us that we do. Paul says that it is a test, a proof, of our Christian character. It is evidence that we are becoming more like the Lord we follow. At least when we forgive, we only need to let go of the offense itself. Jesus not only forgives the sins we commit. He had to purchase that forgiveness by his own crucifixion and death in our place.

And in forgiving there is protection for our own souls, “so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

If the devil can’t push us into the ditch on one side of the road, then he will push us into the ditch on the other. If he can’t get us to overlook sin on the one side, then he will get us to feel too much the victim on the other. We will enjoy our victim status. We won’t want to give it up and be reconciled. It can even be useful for controlling other people and getting what we want.

But who is served by our self-pity and chronic state of resentment? Certainly not us! These attitudes are spiritually and emotionally sickening. It’s like having the stomach flu. Not only is the condition unpleasant on its own. It makes it impossible to enjoy anything else. Food is out of the question. Sleep may not be possible. Most activities only increase the nausea.

In the same way an unforgiving spirit tends to infect the rest of our lives. Here is how the Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Can you imagine getting any of those things to work inside a heart infected with a “poor me” attitude? There is no room for them. They are quickly spoiled and ruined.

Let it go. Forgive. That will serves us, who have been offended, as much as it serves those who sinned against us in the first place.