EPHESIANS 4:32

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Paul's final verse of this section offers three brief commands. First, he explicitly tells his readers to exhibit kindness. The focus is not merely on generic helpfulness. Paul is specifically thinking of compassion for other believers in the congregation.

Second, Paul uses the Greek word eusplanchnoi, which means to be "tenderhearted," or "compassionate." It is sometimes taken to mean "strong-hearted," as well. Paul's use of it here focuses on the idea of showing sympathy. Believers are not to be known for a harsh attitude, but rather for compassion. The account of the Good Samaritan offers Christ's picture of living with compassion toward others (Luke 10:25–37).

Third, Paul commands readers to forgive one another. This instruction comes with an explanation, referring to the forgiveness believers have received from Christ (Matthew 18:21–35). Forgiveness is a unique characteristic of the Christian faith. Scripture often includes reminders of God's forgiveness toward us. For example, Matthew 6:12, part of the "Lord's Prayer," asks God to "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 26:28 reminds us that the blood of Jesus was specifically "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

My Prayer
Loving heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace, Your mercy, Your love and Your immeasurable forgiveness towards me. May I reflect You in my thoughts, words, and deeds and I pray that I will be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards others just as You forgave me, in Christ, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.