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Ephesians 4:32 - The Grace of Kindness and Compassion.

Ephesians 4:32 - The Grace of Kindness and Compassion.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, 
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  

  Kind. Greek is "gentle," "gracious." Simple kindness or 
gentleness is one of the profoundest recommendations of the Christian, and 
is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It is the opposite of the 
malice of Eph. 4:31. By a spiritual alchemy, conversion changes malice 
into kindness. 
  Tenderhearted. Greek is "compassionate," "tenderhearted." 
Compare the expression "bowels of mercies" (Col. 3:12), which implies a 
tender regard for the weaknesses and needs of others. A callous 
indifference to suffering is wholly incompatible with the Christian spirit 
(cf. Luke 6:36; Phil. 2:4; 1 Peter 3:8). [SDA Bible Commentary] 

  The Book of Ephesians describes the behavior that ought to 
characterize Christians as they relate to one another. Our actions ought to 
be permeated with kindness. Kindness is love expressed in practical 
ways; it is putting the needs of others before our own. It is 
intentionally considering ways to meet other people's needs.  
  Being tenderhearted means that we are keenly sensitive to the 
feelings of others. When a fellow Christian experiences sorrow, we grieve 
also (1Co 12:26). When another believer is joyful, we, too, rejoice. 
Being tenderhearted means showing compassion toward those around us.  
  We show forgiveness because we, too, fall short of God's 
ideal. Knowing that God has graciously saved us from destruction 
motivates us to forgive others when they offend us. Often we are less 
patient with our fellow Christians than we are with nonbelievers. We 
expect more of Christians, and we feel betrayed when they fail us. When 
this happens, we need to look closely at the cross and remember the 
forgiveness we received there. We must set aside the self-centered attitude 
that leads to impatience and criticism of others.  
  Jesus did not say that the world will know Him by our 
miracles, by our grand testimonies, or by our vast Bible knowledge. The 
world will know Him by the love that Christians show to one another 
(John 13:35). Are you constantly in conflict with others? Ask God to 
give you kindness, a tender heart, and a forgiving spirit. As you 
allow the Spirit to build these qualities into you, your life will be 
a blessing to others around you. [Experiencing God Day by Day by 
Henry and Richard Blackaby re Eph. 4:32] 

Grace has not truly done its work in us until we respond in 
grace to others about us. [Disciple SB] 

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