Forgiveness

And be kind to one another,tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Asking someone for forgiveness, when you know you are wrong, is a hard thing to do. We have all had times in our lives when we know, without a shadow of a doubt, we messed up and the only way to true restoration is to ask for forgiveness.

When we come to Christ with a child like, humble heart, asking Him to forgive us of our sins, Christ never turns His back, pouts, or gives us the silent treatment in return. He does not hold a grudge for what we did to Him on Calvary. He simply prayed for each of us “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” Matthew 23:34. He graciously forgives us and restores us with His loving tender mercy.

Today as you walk with Christ how will you respond to those who may need to be forgiven? Will you turn your back, give the silent treatment, or will you, like Christ, graciously be kind and tender-hearted toward those who have offended you?

On the flip side, you may be having one of those days where nothing is going right and you are constantly saying or doing the wrong thing. Forgiveness needs to come your way and you pray to the Father for those whom you have offended, to be gracious, kind and merciful toward you.

A kind, tender-hearted person that forgives as Christ forgave is a person that reflects Christ to others. Show off Christ today by reflecting His heart to others and forgive as He forgave.

Heavenly Father, I pray that my heart will be a reflection of you today. Help me to graciously forgive those who may offend me today and in return may those I offend graciously forgive me. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Marty Girardier