Forgive

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you”- Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Forgiveness is a matter that is dear to the heart of our compassionate God – and forgiveness paid a tremendous part in the redemption of mankind.

Forgiveness was also a theme that was close to the heart of our kind and gracious Yeshua, and much of His teaching and training surrounds the principle of forgiveness – gracious, beautiful, unconditional forgiveness. Forgiveness was one of the final thoughts on the heart of our Messiah as He hung on the Cross and uttered those universe-shattering words: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Forgiveness should be a subject to which we should also play close attention, for forgiveness is one of the godly garments with which we have been covered and clothed, and our call to kindness, compassion, and forgiveness rests on the immeasurable forgiveness and mercy that each of us have received in Yeshua.

There is an order in which Paul writes about this. Firstly: "All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice." It is only after these negative emotions have been dealt with, at the foot of the Cross, that we can continue with Paul's next exhortation: "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Yeshua has also forgiven you." Believers will get plenty of hatred from the world; from each other we need love and support. Do you allow small problems to get in the way of loving other believers? Yeshua commands in John 15:17 that you love them, and He will give you strength to do it.

Let us be those who are quick to forgive, quick to ask for forgiveness, and in so doing glorify our dear Lord and Savior. Love each other!