Forgive

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Epistle to the Ephesians 4:31–32

“The old man must die—bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice—all of it must be put away. The new man in Christ is marked by kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. We forgive because we have been forgiven much. To withhold forgiveness is to deny the grace we claim to have received from God in Christ.” — R. C. Sproul

Jesus said the world would recognize His followers by their love. But how can we be a light to the world if we are divided or holding unforgiveness in our hearts?

It’s easy to say, “I’ve forgiven them,” while still quietly carrying the offense inside. I’ve been guilty of that myself.

Yesterday while praying with a friend, he lovingly called me out. I realized there was still unforgiveness in my heart. Someone had treated me unjustly, and I wanted to be right. In that moment it became clear: I had subtly placed myself on the throne as the judge.

But that isn’t my role.

Judgment belongs to the Creator of the universe, not to me.

And when I look at Jesus, the example is undeniable. As He hung on the cross—an innocent man being killed—His response was forgiveness.

So what do we do with bitterness, anger, and offense?

We give it to Jesus.

We aren’t meant to carry those things. Bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice are too heavy for the human heart. Forgiveness means applying the blood that was poured out on Calvary two thousand years ago to the people and situations that wounded us.

That’s how the world will know we belong to Him.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring wisdom or refusing healthy boundaries in relationships. But it does mean surrendering the bitterness that quietly takes root in our hearts.

So maybe the question for today is simple:

Ask the Lord, “Is there anyone I still need to forgive?”

And if nothing comes to mind… ask a good friend like I did. Sometimes they see things we don’t.

Remember—Christ forgave you.

Now we get to extend that same grace to others.

Have a great day.