The Devil sins against us when he leads us astray, but we are to forgive those who trespass against us; so should we forgive him? Does God?
It's true that we don't get to blame him for our own sins, but I'm thinking that he has done as much damage in God's creation as Adam and Eve. So it can be natural for us to hold things against him. Still, "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions" (Mark 11:25).
The Devil trespasses against us; therefore...
Re: The Devil trespasses against us; therefore...
Years ago my Spiritual Director advised not to give the devil too much attention in such ways. He is full of designs to outwit you. Focus on forgiving the living and yourself.
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Re: The Devil trespasses against us; therefore...
Forgiveness implies the sinner may change. Satan, the father of lies, will never change.
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Re: The Devil trespasses against us; therefore...
I agree with Stella, don't give the devil too much attention.
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Re: The Devil trespasses against us; therefore...
We're juggling two teachings here:
1. It is commonly said that unforgiveness hurts the unforgiver more than the trespasser.
2. This idea that forgiveness implies that the offender can change.
Of these two, I think I favor the first, based on how Jesus in scripture talks about forgiving. Besides the Devil, I even find the need to forgive God. Yes, I know, he doesn't sin against me, but since I sometimes feel as if he does (he created me into a fallen world!), I need to repent of these sour feelings, which is possible to do and which is a form of forgiveness and which does not depend on his ability to change.