Biblical Forgiveness

Have you ever known a hard-hearted person? In other words, no matter how hard you tried or how many attempts you made, they shut you out. If you did anything wrong, they were relentless and unforgiving.

Not so with our Lord. Although He has every reason to be hard-hearted toward us, instead He pursues and forgives us. What a tender-hearted Lord we have! This is important—in Ephesians 4:32 He commands us to be like Him – kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving each other. 

Is it easy? Not necessarily. But it’s a command we are to obey. Jesus models being tender hearted, kind, and forgiving. We’re to follow His example by the power of Christ’s Spirit in us. 

Does this mean that what a person has done is right? No. Does it mean we’re to necessarily engage in a relationship with them if what they are doing is not aligned with Christ’s teachings? No. Rather, it means that we leave the person to Christ, knowing He will deal with them. In the meantime, we live in a right relationship with Jesus which translates into living in a right relationship with others…as far as it depends on us. 

Lord, I praise You for being kind, TENDER-HEARTED, and forgiving me. Thank You for Your mercy! Thank You for Your grace!  

Have you ever struggled to find the right words to pray? In those times, it can help to pray God’s Word. Click HERE to discover prayers for discernment, discouragement, knowing God’s way, and forgiveness.