Today's Devotional - To be Christ-Like is to Forgive

Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

To be Christ-like is to forgive. If you really boil it down Forgiving sins was the primary mission for Christ on earth. So it makes sense that Jesus would spend a good portion of his ministry handling the topic. Even in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray “forgive us as we forgive others” A few notable verses from Jesus are:

Matthew 6:14 Jesus Says “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Matthew 18:21-22
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' "

These two verses demonstrate how serious God is about forgiveness. While humanly speaking it is seemingly impossible, a follower of Christ must be quick to forgive. In our relentless forgiveness, we reflect the true love and power of the Heavenly Father. This grace is what strong relationships are built on.

Even modern science backs this up through psychological research that shows that people who forgive more often exhibit:
* Stronger relationships
* Emotional health
* Slowness to anger
* Clearer consciences

Choosing not to forgive, is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die. Unforgiveness toxins our lives. Yet, as we seek to forgive we then live healthier lives as we are truly seeking the heart of God, and the source of life. Each of us are spiritually dead before forgiveness. Eternally separated from God and the source of all spiritual and physical life. Our sin has condemned us yet God through Christ has made a way for us to be restored to a right relationship with Him. Adopted into His Royal Family by the blood of Christ.

Colossians 3:13
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Seeing that Christ has paid so much, and forgiven us greatly; how could we forgive a brother or sister for so little?

Reflection:
Reflect on the Cross, and the magnitude of God's love and forgiveness for you.

What has a close friend forgiven you for? How did that action impact your life?

Who can you forgive today?