Ephesians 4 “Forgiveness”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (v.32)

Many people struggle with forgiveness and hold on to grudges for years. And some find it difficult to apologize, even though their words or actions have hurt others deeply. They simply can not see anything or anyone other than themselves. Even to the point of alienating family for their own self-righteousness.

While struggling with either side of this issue, it would do us all good to remember; our own sins against God were even greater, yet He forgave us. Then, having tasted His forgiveness for sin, how can we withhold our forgiveness from another person, who has inflicted such unreasonable pain against us? Love says, we can not.

Forgiveness for others reveals the extent to which we have grasped the significance of God's forgiveness in our own lives (vv. 32-35). He holds no grudges. Once we confess our sin He simply forgives and remembers our sin no more. But the key is to have a heart of love, for love conquers all. Love is gentle and kind, not rough or insensitive toward others, it does not demand its own way. Therefore brothers and sisters in all that you do, show compassion to one another and treat others as you would desire to be treated and you will cover a multitude of sin.

The Truth: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)