Forgiving One Another

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness is one of the clearest expressions of living in the grace of God. It requires us to step out of the patterns of the “old man” and embrace the kindness, tenderheartedness, and mercy of the “new man” in Christ.

Richard Kuykendall, in Living in the Garden of Grace, thoughtfully highlights the transformative nature of forgiveness. Through forgiveness, we release bitterness and resentment, restore broken relationships, and reflect God’s love and grace to the world around us. It’s not always an easy process, but it is essential for living in the freedom and unity that Christ has made possible for us.

Reflection on Key Truths

1. The Old Man vs. The New Man
   Our old man naturally responds to offense with anger, bitterness, and even malice. These reactions fracture relationships, creating division in families, churches, and communities.

   However, the new man—our identity in Christ—frees us to live differently. In Christ, we are empowered to set aside bitterness and extend forgiveness. This isn’t about ignoring wrongs but about responding to them with grace, trusting God to bring healing and restoration.

2. Forgiveness as God Forgave Us
   Ephesians 4:32 calls us to forgive as God in Christ forgave us. His forgiveness is complete, undeserved, and given without condition. This is the model for how we are to forgive others—not out of obligation, but as an overflow of the grace we’ve received.

3. Jesus’ Call to Forgiveness
   In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus reminds us of the weight of forgiveness: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

   These words are sobering, yet they are also an invitation to trust God’s grace to transform our hearts. Forgiveness is not something we achieve in our own strength but something that flows from our new life in Him.

4. The Power of Forgiveness to Transform
   Kuykendall shares a compelling story of a pastor who, after offending a couple in his congregation, humbly sought their forgiveness. The couple not only forgave the pastor but also confessed their own wrongs to the church. What followed was a beautiful revival of grace and unity, a powerful testimony to the impact of forgiveness.

Practical Applications

1. Examine Your Heart
   Ask the Lord to search your heart for any lingering bitterness or unforgiveness. Bring these areas before Him, trusting Him to give you the grace to release them.

2. Take Initiative
   Forgiveness often requires a step of humility, whether it’s asking someone for forgiveness or extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Be willing to take that first step, trusting God to work through it.

3. Reflect God’s Forgiveness
   Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to forgive others completely and unconditionally. Treating others as though the offense never happened reflects the heart of God and fosters healing and unity.

4. Be a Catalyst for Grace
   Your willingness to forgive can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that restores relationships and transforms communities.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Are there any relationships in your life where bitterness or unforgiveness has taken root?

2. How does meditating on God’s forgiveness help you extend grace to others?

3. What step of forgiveness might God be leading you to take today?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for forgiving us fully and completely through Christ. We trust You to work in our hearts, leading us to forgive others with the same grace and love You have shown us. May our lives reflect Your kindness and tenderheartedness, bringing reconciliation and healing to our relationships. Use us, Lord, to inspire a revival of forgiveness in our families, churches, and communities. Amen.

Final Thought

Forgiveness is both a gift we receive and a gift we extend. When we forgive as God has forgiven us, we experience the joy and freedom of living in His grace, and we invite others to do the same. Let us trust God to lead us into this beautiful expression of His love.