Forgiveness
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: SHAPE
Scripture: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
Forgiveness is the natural response of a heart that has truly encountered the mercy of God. When we hold onto grudges or bitterness, we effectively deny the magnitude of the grace that we have already received at the Cross. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to a standard of kindness and tenderheartedness that mirrors the love of God, reminding us that our ability to forgive others is directly linked to our awareness of our own forgiveness in Christ.
Choosing to forgive is not an endorsement of the wrong done to you but a release of the debt you are holding against another. It is a vital act of spiritual health that frees your heart from the prison of resentment. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anyone you need to release today and step into the freedom of forgiving them just as God for Christ’s sake has completely forgiven you.
Prompt: Who do you need to forgive today, remembering how much God has forgiven you?
Action Step: SHAPE focuses on developing personal holiness and character, which includes releasing bitterness and choosing forgiveness.
Next Step: Pray for someone who has wronged you and ask God to help you release any lingering offense.