Forgive One Another 2

Ephesians 4:31-32

We have all heard the expression “What goes around, comes around.” That which you send out will come back to you. If you send out anger and hatred you will receive anger and hatred back. If you smile at others or do good deeds, it is more likely others will smile back or help you with their own good deeds.

It is a simple and logical approach to living. It makes sense, yet so many people fail to incorporate this concept when functioning within the body of Christ.

In today’s passage the believers in Ephesus are given some pretty clear instructions. What are they to remove from their church? How are they to act toward one another? What comparison is made?

The faults that are listed here may seem shocking at first read, but unfortunately many of these attitudes can be found among the body of believers in many churches. Bitterness, rage and anger – these three seem to be the unholy trinity in many worship communities. So many people refuse to let go of the past, clinging to a sense of bitter resentment over some long ago slight or offense.

This bitterness surfaces in rage and anger as there is conflict among believers, and the disputes can become like brawls.

But as faithful followers of Christ Jesus we need to remove these motivators from ourselves. And if we can remove them from our own attitudes, then these problems can be removed from our worship communities, our churches. This will help us all to accept one another, have fellowship with one another, and teach one another.

We are called to offer forgiveness to one another, allowing the past and all the history of being offended and hurt to fall away. Instead we should be kind and compassionate.

And we are reminded to offer forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven. We have received forgiveness; we should give forgiveness. It may be helpful to remember that we were forgiven first. What goes around, comes around.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to remove the bitterness, anger and rage you may feel to a Christian brother or sister?