God's Glory Church

“And be kind and merciful to one another, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

As a child, my sister and I often had conflicts, but I still remember one moment. After another portion of insulting words that we shouted at each other, my sister said something that at that moment seemed unforgivable. Watching the enmity between us grow, my grandmother reminded us of our duty to love one another. “God has given each of you one sister in life. And you should show a little leniency to each other,” she said. When we asked God to fill us with love and understanding, He helped us to realize how we had offended each other and to forgive.

It is very easy to hold on to bitterness and anger, but God desires for us a peace that can only come when we ask Him to help us let go of resentment (Eph. 4:31). Instead of hiding these feelings, let’s look at Christ’s example of forgiveness, the source of which is love and grace, the desire to be kind and merciful, “forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven [us]” (v. 32). If it is difficult for us to forgive, let us remember the grace that He shows us every day. No matter how many times we fall, His mercy never ends (Lamentations 3:22). God can help us get rid of bitterness in our hearts so that we can live in hope and accept His love.

When did someone offend you? What did you learn from that incident?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the people you have brought into my life. Help me to show love and forgiveness.

Author: Kimya Loder (guest)