Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. —Ephesians 4:32
We’re not the only ones who are set free when we choose to forgive and bless those who have sinned against us. In God’s great economy, we become instruments of His redemptive work—conduits of His mercy and grace—in the lives of those on the receiving end of that blessing. They are brought face-to-face with the reality of Calvary love.
I can’t promise you that blessing your offender will result in a “storybook ending.” But I can pretty much promise you this: if you choose not to bless in return, you are almost certainly assured of never seeing the reconciliation your heart longs for.
I’ve seen God do the unbelievable as His children have been willing not only to forgive their offenders, but to step out and return good for evil. I often counsel women, “Believe it or not, if you’ll let Him, God can fill your heart with deep love and compassion for that person you’ve hated for years!”
And I have seen Him do just that.
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Choosing Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt to Hope ©2022 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
What are some appropriate ways you can extend the grace of God to your “enemies”?