Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
How many times have we been reminded to forgive others, just as God has forgiven us? As human beings, we have a very difficult time with forgiveness. "I will forgive, but I won't forget." "I forgive them, but we can't be friends anymore." "I can forgive them, but I cannot love them." Is God the only one who has the ability to truly forgive? Reconciliation does imply that things are made right again. I know that God brought us closer to Himself through Jesus. Maybe my forgiveness lacks something which could change my brand of forgiveness to true reconciliation.
Holy Lord, help me to continue learning, and in my learning, help me to grow closer to you. Help me to experience your presence and love, as I deepen my human relationships. Amen
Becky, transforming
Ephesians 4:32
Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, for giving one another, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven you.
Most folks will tell you that forgiveness is hard. When we’ve been hurt, we tend to hold on to that hurt, rather than forgiving the person who her house. Yet, as Christians we often pray the Lord’s prayer with these words – forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Empty words for those who cannot forgive. Paul is trying to teach us a better way. Reconcile with those who wrong us. Try harder to understand them. Be kind.
Prayer: gracious God, open my heart to reconciliation when I feel hurt by someone. I…
Thursday March 23, 2023
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Our actions and attitude toward others speaks volumes in certain situations. In this world we are living in forgiveness is essential to maintain close relationships. We all need forgiveness and we all need to give forgiveness. We all sin and we all have been sinned against. The deeper you have been hurt, the more difficult it is truly to forgive. Paul says that we are to forgive each other just as God has forgiven us. God didn’t say, Hey, don’t worry about it, we all make mistakes! He didn’t just brush our sin aside. Rather, our sin make us…
Ephesians 4:32 Compassion is the key to forgiveness. Until I can mentally put myself in the place of the person who needs forgiveness, I cannot fully offer it. This is one reason I suspect reconciliation feels so wonderful. In that moment, two previously estranged hearts are put in tune with one another. Is this not better than the bitterness of holding on to a grudge and endlessly rehearsing some imagined revenge?
Prayer - Forgiving God, remove from me all traces of bitterness toward anyone I should forgive. Let us find common ground and renewed fellowship to Your honor and glory. Amen