“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
In our busy schedule of life it is easy to get caught up in work or activities so much that we get worn out. It is at this time when it is easy to snap at our loved ones. I think we have a tendency to treat our own family worse then strangers, thinking they live with us so they will still love us. I think Satan is involved in all this so there will be conflict in our families. We need to stand firm in Christ and treat everyone the way we would want to be treated; with kindness and a compassion. We need to take time every day just to be quiet and pray for wisdom to handle difficulties with our families, co-workers, or friends.
Forgiving each other can be very difficult, especially when you have been hurt unfairly. But the Bible is very clear on forgiveness: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).
So when other people hurt us in any way, we must forgive them as this is a command from Jesus. It is a struggle sometimes to do this, but if we surrender the person who has caused us pain to the Lord and let Him deal with it, we will find peace. After all, if Jesus could forgive the men who beat Him, spat upon Him, scourged Him, and crucified Him, we can do the same to those who cause us pain. When we behave in this manner: treating others with compassion and with kindness and forgiveness, it is a tremendous witness to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. Ask God to help you with this and you will see a difference in your attitude towards everyone.
Dear Lord,
Help us to have compassion for others at all times. Help us to view others as you would. Help us to forgive those who sin against just the way you did. We know we can do this through your help.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
