Getting Wise To The Enemy

A summary of 2 Corinthians 2:10b-11, says "Forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, as Christ guides us to.  We do not want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for more mischief and try to outsmart us.  We are familiar with his evil schemes."

Bottom Line:
We need to forgive others, just as Christ would guide us to.  If we don’t forgive, it may unwittingly give Satan an opening to instill mayhem.  Paul tells us this because he is familiar with and wants to warn us of the enemy’s evil schemes.

What This Means For Me:
God knows that the enemy will try to get a foothold in our lives/situations when we hold back forgiveness.  I need to realize that the enemy is out to destroy what God has created, especially the institutions God has put into place (marriage, relationships.)  The enemy loves to stir up conflict ,arguments, confusion, stress, hurt feelings, disappointment, anger and chaos.  
When I allow myself to live and be guided God’s processes,  I have some defensive action in which I can resist the enemy and realize what’s he up to.  So, I need to be conscience at all times and recognize the enemy’s tactics.  
Part of this is knowing how he’ll play on my pride, he’ll tell me what I want to hear, tell me it’s ok to retaliate, or show them who’s boss here - all things that are not of God.  When I see this occurring I can just say, “Satan, I know that’s you... thank you for reminding me of what Jesus came to save me from” or I can quote Proverbs 13:10 “Pride leads to conflict.”  I may also need to do some self evaluation and ask myself, “how am I being prideful” or “what am I not willing to admit or compromise on”, or “why am I only thinking of my needs and not those of others.”   Today I will try to be especially conscious of this.  In following God daily, I can work to incorporate this into life.