Abundant Life Devotional, By Eric Jinkwen

Ephesians 4:32;
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

The natural tendency in most humans is to hold grudges and bitterness against our offenders and not forgive them. Forgiveness is letting go an offence and offering peace and reconciliation. When you forgive, you also experience peace.

No child of God can truly operate well in God’s kingdom who does not forgive others. Unforgiveness has far more dangerous consequences in a man’s life than we can imagine. With unforgiveness,

(1) Our prayers are useless and meaningless (Mark 11:24-26).
(2) Our offerings are not acceptable (Matt 5:23-24).
(3) We are in danger of judgement (Matt 18:21-35).
(4) We develop health complications.

Read Also: The Mercy of God

Why should we forgive? We forgive because God in Christ forgave us. We sometimes forget our past life when Lord chose to forgive us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). God forgave us our past sins and continues to forgive us in Christ. Think of it!

We do not forgive because our offender is worthy. No! We forgive for our own good and because of who we are now in Christ. Oh, it will interest you to know who you are in Christ. You are like your Father-God. You carry the nature and character of God in you. He is slow to anger and quick to forgive. His wrath last only for a moment. But His mercy towards men is for life (Ps 30:5).

We carry the Spirit of love and the life of God in us and so, we can understand the opening verse which says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We can understand this verse because we are new creation, we are light of the world, we are salt of the earth.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”(Colossians 3:12-13).
This is so powerful.

There is not reason at all to withhold forgiveness. Give it to the offender and be ready to ask it when you have offended. What if the offender doers not cooperate? Don’t worry, it will still come back to you from heaven: “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Hallelujah!

Read Also: Raise back your prayer Alter

Prayer: Father, I open my heart to forgive and to receive forgiveness. Fill my heart with love and compassion for all men.