God Says
Instead, be kind to each other,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven
you. –Ephesians 4:32
Something to Think About
Paul urges the
Ephesian Christians to be forgiving. Paul understands forgiveness. He
experienced it. His past was anything but perfect, but God’s grace was greater
than his sin (Romans 5:20). He experienced the power of forgiving others.
Forgiveness is not primarily for the offending party, but ultimately a gift to
the offended. Ropes of resentment are released and bonds of bitterness are
broken. It is the offer of a gift to another and we are the primary
beneficiaries. And, when the forgiven becomes forgiving, humans move a step
closer to being restored into God’s image which itself is quite a splendid
gift.
Individual or Family
Activity
Individual –
Think of a person you need to forgive. Dream about how God might bless you if
you were able to practice forgiveness. Spend a moment and pray about what the
next step of forgiveness might look like for you.
Family – Talk
about forgiveness. What are some of the benefits? What are some of the
challenges? How would forgiving others and / or forgiving each other help your
family?
Individual or Family Prayer
Dear God,
You have come to
the world so that I may have abundant life.
You have died so
that I may experience the forgiveness of sins.
Your sacrifice is
absolute and complete.
Grant me the
wisdom to forgive others as You have forgiven me.
Remove my
feelings of bitterness and resentment.
Help me close
some chapters of life so that I can write new ones.
May I reflect
Your love to others.
May I forgive as
I have been forgiven.
May I look more
and more like You everyday.
Amen.
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