Let’s face it. We are living in a world that would rather hold a grudge than offer love and forgiveness. How did we get here? We used to live in a kinder, gentler world.
I think maybe there was a time when people had more respect for God, for others and for themselves. Respect for self seems to have turned into a haughty selfishness that turns away from forgiveness of any kind. There does not seem to be a lot of respect for others and the world has little to no respect for God.
Ephesians 4:30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit—He is always with us. If we are following the lead of the Holy Spirit we should be modeling how to treat others. As verse 31 tells us, we should not be participating in the meanness of this world. Instead of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice, we should be showing empathy, forbearance, patience, calm, uprightness, and kindness.
In verse 32 we are told specifically to show kindness to each other; to show affection and compassion: to forgive each other. Remember as you do these things that God has shown kindness, affection, compassion and has forgiven you for the sake of Christ.
The challenge we face with this passage is most likely the forgiveness aspect. The world around us is more likely to hurl angry words and insults than forgiveness. God has shown Himself to be forgiving to us through our relationship with Christ. In respect of these relationships, we should honor God by trying to cultivate a forgiving spirit also.
To apply this verse to our lives we must follow one of Jesus’ main commandments: love one another. Jesus did not give us a choice. He told us specifically to love each other, yes, in the red words. (Mt. 5:44, Mk. 12:31, Lk. 10:27, Jn.13:34) Loving others sometimes means learning to forgive. As a Christ follower, we can grieve the Holy Spirit with our unforgiveness and lack of love. What if God forgave us the same way we forgive others?
What does this verse mean to my Faith? It means that even before I attempt to forgive or love another, God has already forgiven me and has shown me the greatest love of all. He gave His Son, Jesus, to forgive me first. How can I not give love and forgiveness to others in His name?
Lord, help me to come to fully understand Your mercy and to cultivate a forgiving heart that will stand out as different when an unforgiving world looks on. This cannot come from me. This can only come from You. Empower me to love as you love and forgive willingly. Help me be an encouragement to others in Your name.
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“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
“The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.” Proverbs 19:22 (KJV)
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35 (KJV)
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Romans 12:10 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about Him.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net
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Blog Image by James Nichols from Pixabay
Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 