“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) teaches us that “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
This Scripture is essential because as we move through life, we are going to experience faults. Transgressions will be committed against us, and we will commit them against others. None of us is perfect. However, great issues arise when, as the Scripture says, we choose to dwell on those transgressions that are committed against us. When we dwell on those transgressions, we encourage the spirit of unforgiveness. This causes anger and malice to fester within us, which then birth bitterness in our hearts. Ephesians 4:31 (NIV) warns us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Valuable relationships end in disaster when we harbour bitterness. Families are separated, and churches may even become divided because of it. Unforgiveness, with bitterness as its root, robs us of the people God has placed in our lives. Everyone He has placed in our lives is there for a purpose, so when we choose to hold on to offences they commit, we rob ourselves of the value that God has placed in that person to benefit us.
Imagine if Joseph, in Genesis 45 and 50, had not forgiven his brothers. He would’ve robbed himself and his children of a full life surrounded by his great big Jewish family. More importantly, an entire lineage of Jews that God was raising up could have been wiped out due to the famine. Unforgiveness causes a ripple effect that goes beyond the two parties involved. Many people can be hurt because of it.
Therefore, just like Joseph, it is our duty to give each other grace. We all fall down at some point, but our heavenly Father showers us with His grace in those moments. We must endeavour to do the same. Today’s Scripture encourages us to always “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other…This is the best admonition we could ever receive.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the cross so we can be forgiven. We don’t deserve it, but You love us and care for our souls. Lord, even as You continually shower us with Your forgiveness and grace, help us to do the same with those who offend us. Destroy every root of bitterness and unforgiveness within us. Set us free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Numbers 14:18; Matthew 6:14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 44:13-26; Luke 14:15-35; Deuteronomy 16:21-22; Deuteronomy 17; Deuteronomy 18
Amen
Hallelujah. Indeed forgiveness blocks our relationship with GOD. Our Father in Heaven invites us to forgive others of their trespasses, so that He can can forgive us (Mark 11: 25 & 26).