Ephesians 4

Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks of the unity of the body of Christ and, as children of light, how we should act and grow. He specifically states (31) “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (32) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” To grow and mature in Christ, this is exactly what we have to do, but actions easily forgotten if we don’t daily seek God’s will.

As Christians we would definitely know it’s wrong to kill another person, but unfortunately, we sometimes have no problem holding grudges against one another, bitterness to our neighbors, anger towards others. These are just as bad and allow the devil a foothold in our life. As Paul states, to achieve unity in the body of Christ, we must get rid of these things and forgive, as we have been forgiven.

It is, unfortunately, easy to forget our forgiveness as we hold grudges against others. The feeling of hatred and lashing out in revenge against those who have done us wrong. We realize our mistakes and ask God to forgive us, but we don’t provide the same leeway with others who wrong us. As Paul states, this will not do! We must be compassionate and forgive one another. God forgave us of all sins through Jesus Christ. We have no right to condemn others and ask for forgiveness ourselves! Remember this the next time you want to condemn someone for wronging you.

Lord, thank you for your Word and mercy. Thank you for sending Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and transgressions. Please, dear God, help me to get rid of any anger and malice I have in my life and help me to forgive others and show compassion toward them, just as you have shown to me through Jesus Christ.