Forgive Because We Are Forgiven

Ephesians 4:32 -- “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

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Christ taught about forgiveness while he walked the earth (Matthew 6:14-15). It was a hard lesson to learn then and it’s still a hard lesson now. It is not always easy to be kind. It is not often easy to forgive, but Christ implores us to rise above sin and He leads by example.

Christ not only taught forgiveness, he practiced it. He even forgave those who crucified him -- “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

God forgives us, not because we forgive others, but because of His great, wonderful and unfailing mercy. As we come to know God and experience His mercy, we are blessed. Having received His forgiveness, we should be willing and delighted to pass that forgiveness on to others -- to be more like Christ.

Dear Lord,
Help me to be kind and forgive all the time, even if they don’t deserve it -- because I don’t deserve it. Nonetheless, through my Savior Jesus Christ my sins are forgiven and through my faith and repentance, Your mercy covers me. Thank you Jesus for Your lesson, example and sacrifice.

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