By Jordyn van Gaalen

Be Kind and Compassionate

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

Bitterness, rage, and anger. Bitterness over feeling slighted. Rage and anger over feeling wrongfully treated. Fighting with one other. Gossiping and slandering the names of others. Malice and desiring revenge on others. 

These emotions and reactions can feel “natural” in a reactionary state. It is hard to brush off the feelings of disrespect or hurt or belittlement. 

But we are told to react and initiate interaction with kindness and compassion. We are to be understanding and humble. We are told to forgive. 

Forgiveness is an action that often must be repeated. Forgiveness is active, rather than a one-and-done scenario. When those emotions or memories return, we repeat forgiveness again and again to our heart. The pain may continue to linger. Hurt doesn’t disappear overnight – not even close.

We remember all that God has done for us, the forgiveness and grace He has lavished on us. We remember that we have gone our wayward ways, we have not treated God in a loving manner. We have rejected His love and His presence and His promise. But God chases after us again and again. He forgives us and brings us back into His arms.  

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34 NIV 

God cancelled our debt completely. He took it upon Himself to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Let us cling to that truth as we walk through forgiveness with fellow brothers and sisters. Be kind and compassionate to one another, clinging to our freedom and forgiveness found in Christ.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado