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Ephesians 4:32 - Forgiveness.Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. INTRODUCTION This is Christ's law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels (Matthew 6:14, 15; 18:35; Mark 11:25). We also see it in the Lord's Prayer - "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us" (Luke 11:4). God forgives us, not because we forgive others, but solely because of his great mercy. As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be like him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified him (Luke 23:34). [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL Today, I mailed a get-well card to a family member who recently received a cancer diagnosis. Sending my good wishes to someone in my family doesn't sound like a big deal, except for the fact I've rarely spoken to him in decades. He's not the easiest person to get along with, in my opinion, and he's brought division to our family. Yet when I learned of his diagnosis, my heart grew tender for him. And as I prayed for his health, compassion filled me. I knew I needed to forgive him. Jesus's forgiveness is a gift - one none of us deserves. The more I reflect on Jesus's forgiveness of me, the more willing I am to forgive those who I think don't deserve it. While it's often not easy for me to forgive others, small acts of kindness and compassion can soften the soil of my heart, allowing forgiveness to grow. I don't believe one get-well card will erase the decades of distance I've had with this family member, yet I do hope the love of Jesus comes through. While it's always possible for healing to happen in challenging relationships, it is even more probable that true healing will occur within me. When I trust Jesus, pray for that person, and forgive, I let go of past offenses. Even if the other person does not apologize, by forgiving them I'm freed. Forgiveness is the gift I give myself. Tricia Goyer Faith Step: Today, commit to doing one small act of kindness toward someone you're angry with or someone who is seemingly undeserving of your consideration. Ask Jesus to help you have compassion and forgive. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Ephesians 4:32 - Forgiveness. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220930-1111.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210914-0901.html Ephesians 4:32 - The Grace of Forgiveness. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090814-0844.html Ephesians 4:32 - The Grace of Kindness and Compassion. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090813-1021.html Matthew 6:14, 15 - Forgiveness Is Essential. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210808-1044.html Matthew 6:14, 15 - More Thoughts on Forgiveness. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210809-0930.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |