Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
— Ephesians 4:32 —
Enrique Godoy Castillon: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
Ephesians begins with three chapters about who we are in Christ. The rest of the book explains, in light of these truths, how we walk in Christ. Paul unfolds in these final chapters the magnificent ways that God’s gift of salvation affects our daily lives. In this text, he encourages kindness and tender-hearted forgiveness as the appropriate response to God’s own kindness and tender-hearted forgiveness toward us. Is there anyone whom you have refused to forgive? Let your heart be tender, like God’s own heart. Consider the extraordinary gift of forgiveness that God has granted to you through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Do you see God’s kindness in sending His Son to die in your place so that you may live? Then be kind, argues Paul, to others. Do you understand that your innumerable sins are freely forgiven by God’s grace in Christ Jesus? Then be forgiving toward others. God is kind even when we are undeserving of His kindness. His heart is tender, eager to forgive the unworthy sinner who would come to His Son in faith. Is there anyone whom you have refused kindness? Is there anyone whom you have refused to forgive? Let your heart be tender, like God’s own heart. Remember the wonderful forgiveness you have received through faith, and express your gratitude to God not by words alone, but by forgiving others their trespasses, just as your heavenly Father has forgiven you.
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