Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Forgiveness is love in action. It is not weakness but Christlikeness. We forgive because we have been forgiven. The measure of our forgiveness is not what others deserve but what Christ gave us.
At the cross, Jesus absorbed sin’s cost so that we could walk free. To withhold forgiveness is to deny the very gospel that saved us. To forgive is to exalt Jesus by reflecting His mercy.
- Forgiveness is not natural; it is supernatural.
- Christ’s forgiveness is the model and motive.
- To forgive is to release others and ourselves.
- Unforgiveness is unbelief in disguise.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we stand forgiven because of Your blood. Remind us of what it cost You. Keep us from cheapening grace by holding grudges. Teach us to release debts, knowing You paid ours in full.
Holy Spirit, soften our hearts where bitterness lingers. Replace anger with compassion. Let forgiveness become the fragrance of Christ in us.
Poem — “Love That Lets Go”
Mercy bends low.
Kindness opens hands.
Compassion moves quickly.
Forgiveness cancels debt.
Christ is exalted.
Chains fall in His name.
Prison doors swing open.
Burdens lift from shoulders.
Peace settles deep.
Jesus is freedom.
Love forgives.
Not because it must.
Not because it is easy.
Because Christ forgave first.
Because Christ is enough.
