Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
God’s people are marked by certain things that distinguish us from the world. Because of our relationship to Jesus, we are called to live a particular way, engaging in some activities and abstaining from others. As we walk with Him, He produces characteristics in us which evidence His work in our lives.
One of the qualities displayed by those walking in the light is the ability to forgive.
The perfect example is the forgiveness God has extended to us in Jesus. Thinking about it for only a few seconds, four words quickly come to mind – I don’t deserve it!
Relationships are an investment and require hard work. Sometimes our friends, family members, and roommates aren’t the easiest to love. They hurt us in big and small ways, intentionally and unintentionally.
But as we fix our eyes on Jesus, our focus is no longer on the person who has offended us, but on the One who has forgiven us. When we look to Him, even when the other person doesn’t deserve our forgiveness, we realize that He deserves our obedience. And that perspective radically distinguishes us from the world.
Written by: Abbey Le Roy, MA in Theological Studies from CIU's Seminary and School of Ministry
"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
