Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
One of the greatest barriers in relationships is unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is tempting when others hurt us deeply. Our human nature tends to cling to bitterness. We want to hold people's wrongdoings against them. We do not naturally want to forgive. While unforgiveness comes naturally, it ultimately does not serve us. It leaves us angry, sad, and bitter. Scripture teaches us a better way than holding on to unforgiveness, and that is forgiveness.
Paul urges us to forgive in Ephesians 4. In this passage of Scripture, he calls followers of Christ to live differently from the rest of the world. As he called readers to this different way of living, he wrote, "With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused" (verse 17). Gentiles in this passage of Scripture represent those who do not believe in God or follow Christ. Those who do not follow Christ have minds that are "full of darkness" and "wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him" (verse 18). Instead of living this way, Paul writes, "put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy" (verse 24). Next, Paul explains what it looks like to live this way. He wrote, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior" (verse 31). This, my friends, is a tall order. Living this way requires Christ to change our hearts. Paul continued writing, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (verse 32). Instead of holding on to anger and bitterness, we are called to be tenderhearted toward one another. We are called to forgive. How are we to forgive? We are called to forgive in the same way that "God, through Christ, has forgiven [us]." How did God forgive us through Christ? He sent Jesus, His Son, to come to earth and die on the cross in order to bring us restoration and forgiveness from sin if we place our faith in Him. God stopped at nothing to rescue us and forgive us. It is this same unconditional and unlimited forgiveness that we are called to show.
It is time today to let go of bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. After all, they do not serve us. They only steal from us, taking away our joy in life. Let's instead choose to forgive in the same way that God, who stopped at nothing to rescue us, has forgiven us.
Who do you need to forgive today? Perhaps you need to forgive a spouse, a loved one, a friend, a coworker, or someone else. With the knowledge that you have been greatly forgiven, courageously choose to forgive today. After all, you have been forgiven greatly. Follow the example of your Savior and extend forgiveness today.
Ephesians 4:17-31
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
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