Some of you were such, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 WEB
In chapter six of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he addressed lawsuits among believers and sexual immorality. First, Paul derides church members for taking their minor differences to court rather than having their disputes settled by fellow believers. Teaching that the saints ultimately judge the world and even judge angels, Paul shamed church members who used the secular legal system to defraud other members of the church. He then reminds his readers that the unrighteous receive condemnation and not salvation.
The spirit of the world is in opposition to the Spirit of our God. In the Spirit of our God, Christians willingly forgive offenses. In the spirit of the world, we care more about winning for ourselves than following the righteousness of God. But, Jesus taught us to love even our enemies. As we read in Matthew 5:44-45, “I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. WEB”
Forgiveness
If we follow the teaching of Christ and the Spirit of our God, we willingly forgive those who offend us. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. WEB” When Peter, who Jesus chose to lay the foundation of the church, asked if he should forgive up to seven times, the Lord made clear his expectations. Jesus replied in Matthew 18:22, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. WEB”
And so, to discourage disunity in the church and promote the genuine expression of the Spirit of God, Paul reminded the church of the forgiveness they received from God. Further, he asserts that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Listing a litany of sinful behaviors including sexual immorality, stealing, slander, and extortion, Paul reminded his readers of some of the sins for which they received forgiveness. His words serve as a warning for those who continue to live worldly lives of unforgiveness and sin in opposition to the Spirit of our God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for providing a way for sinners like me to find forgiveness. Thank you for the sacrifice made by my Lord and Savior. Lead me away from temptation. Create in me a clean and forgiving heart. Help me to live by your word and will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Cut to the Heart
