10/29- Ephesians 4:32

10/29- Wednesday Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Bonhoeffer: “Since the confession of sin is made in the presence of a Christian brother, the last stronghold of self-justification is abandoned. The sinner surrenders; he gives up all his evil.  He gives his heart to God, and he finds the forgiveness of all his sin in the fellowship of Jesus Christ and his brother.

Thoughts: Assurance of forgiveness is found when we receive kindness and compassion that we do not deserve.  Assurance that we have been restored into fellowship is found in the relationship we have with others and with Jesus Christ.  Making excuses and justifying our selves breaks the fellowship with others and turns us inward in pride.  It is Christike to be kind and compassionate.  It is Christlike to forgive.  Without forgiveness three is no hope of restoration in any relationship- a friendship, a marriage, a community, a group or a church.  Forgiveness also keeps us from being stuck in bitterness, anger, grudges or the past sins of others or of ourselves.  Christ desires freedom from sin, and this comes  only from forgiveness.
     

Prayer: Give me grace to follow in your footsteps.  Thank you for your forgiveness offered through the cross and on the cross.