Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Forgiveness is the cornerstone of the salvation message. Although we are commanded to forgive others, sometimes it is nearly impossible to do so. If you struggle with this, you’re not alone. Start with acknowledging how much God has forgiven you. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He forgave all our sins—past, present, and future.
Do we truly realize the significance of this? Roman’s 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God proclaimed His faithful, eternal love by forgiving our sins. There is nothing we can do that is beyond His ability to forgive. He restores our lives and brings hope to each area of our lives.
So how can we respond? First, we have to accept His love and forgiveness. Only then can we give it to others. The Lord changes our hearts and grants us the ability to forgive. What right do we have to withhold our forgiveness from others when we have been forgiven so much? Be kind and compassionate. Ask the Lord to help you forgive someone in your life today. I’m going to myself. May you prosper as a Son or Daughter of the King!
Blessings, all!