” Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate,
understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in
Christ also forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Tender-hearted kindness that readily and freely forgives. Who doesn’t want this! The Apostle Paul reminds us in this Scripture that as God forgives us our sins, we must forgive others willingly with compassionate understanding. The word “tender-hearted” means compassion. How many of us like to be treated with kindness and understanding when we hurt others?
God’s forgiveness is so powerful that it covers not only all our past sins, but even those we haven’t committed. Simply put, forgiveness is not about us; it’s about Christ. Christ redeemed us, and our sins are completely forgiven: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
With the stain of our sin wiped clean by Christ’s sacrifice, how do we treat others who sin against us? First, we remember how much we have been forgiven. Then, with a kind and tender heart (not easy, I know), we forgive those who hurt us because God has freely forgiven our sins in Christ Jesus. Jesus paid the penalty for us, willingly suffering in our place. With this in mind, forgiving others should flow from a heart tendered by His gracious kindness.
A Touch of Grace:
Describe how Christ’s forgiveness has changed your life?
How can your forgiveness impact someone else’s life?
Grace Application:
Christ has shown such tenderness towards me and forgiven all my sins, which are numerous and ghastly; how can I not forgive others? God forgave my sins, all my sins, knowing that I would continue to sin after coming to Christ for salvation. God’s forgiveness is so grand that I can’t fully comprehend what it means. If God forgives me and calls me His child (see Ephesians 1:5), what keeps me from freely forgiving others?
Extending tender forgiveness is challenging. It is the grace of God that compels us to forgive, but we cannot do it alone. Our human nature will resist, especially when the wounds are deep. Betrayal, rejection, abandonment, abuse, and more- all these hurts strike at the core of our being. Understanding that forgiveness is about what Christ did on the cross provides the perspective we need to forgive others.
For a long time, I believed that forgiving someone meant the pain didn’t matter. But the truth is, the pain caused by sin always matters. Sin is a serious matter. It has caused grief since the moment Adam and Eve chose to believe the lie that God was holding out on them.
(Read Genesis 3)
Forgiving others doesn’t excuse sin. It means allowing God to deal with it as He sees fit. Forgiving isn’t dependent upon others acknowledging the hurt or asking for forgiveness. Nor does forgiveness mean we must be reconciled to the one who hurt us. Instead, it means giving up our “right” to punish someone else and giving God room to work on hearts that are hardened by sin. Finally, it means we can walk free from the bonds of bitterness that unforgiveness brings, experiencing the peace that comes from letting go.
Being kind, tender-hearted, and compassionate isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, Christ modeled these traits so we would extend the same understanding to others. Given today’s political and social climate, we could all use more gracious kindness. So, how will you reflect Christ’s forgiveness today? Your actions can make a difference now and for all eternity.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the Precious Name of Jesus, thankful for Your tender kindness that overwhelms my soul. Knowing that Christ Jesus’ death on the cross has freed me from the penalty of sin should tender my heart toward others. Forgive me, Lord, for holding on to the pain others have caused. Help me to forgive (______________). I release them to You and ask You to work in their hearts so they find freedom in Christ. Lord, give me a tender, kind, compassionate heart, willing to freely forgive as I have been forgiven. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please seek God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**