Be Kind To One Another, Tender hearted, Forgiving One Another, Just As God Through Christ Has Forgiven You

EPHESIANS 4:25-32
“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬

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Here, Paul gives us basic instructions on how we should conduct ourselves in our daily lives, being kind and considerate to one another, rather than backstabbing and gossiping about each other.
We believers are called to live honesty and peacefully among others, putting aside all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (to repeatedly shout loud in protest), and evil speaking.
Into today’s world, their are many protests going on; and whilst orderly, peaceful protest can lead to good, God’s people must not involve in protest that involves clamor, unruly behaviour, looting, and violence, for it achieves nothing good and brings shame on the church.
The truth is, we bring grief to the Holy Spirit when we involve in such things or gossip or allow bitterness to rule our hearts in any way shape or form.
When one speaks negatively about another, he is cursing that person (JAMES 3:10).
No matter how sorry, no one can unsay a single word-the damage is done.
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
We are all wronged at some time or another, but the truth is, we have all wronged others too. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour; we all deserve the penalty of sin.
But God in His mercy, chooses to forgive us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
But if we are to receive His forgiveness, we must forgive those who sinned against us (MATHEW 6:12).
It is never easy to forgive, especially third party sin-when the sin was against our children or a loved ones. But if one asks God, He is faithful to help and empower us to overcome all unforgivness.
Forgiveness starts with a decision and once made, God is faithful to help one’s emotions catch up with his or her decision-all one need do is ask.
I am not suggesting you should make an offender your best friend, or that you should allow someone to continue hurting or abusing you. We all have the right to defend ourselves. But rather than hold a grudge, let go of all thoughts of revenge, after all, the Lord wants to forgive you and Paul said “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (ROMANS 12:19).
When someone wrongs us, we expect or crave compensation, like the offender owes us something; that could be financial, or a simple apology.
To forgive is to let go and write off the debt, freeing the offender of the debt just like Jesus frees all believers of their debt of sin, including he who sinned against you.
Unforgivness ties one to the offender because he remains the “victim” every time he thinks about what was done, because he re-lives the moment, abuse, or situation, and is the victim time and time again.
He suffers the pain over and over. But in the very moment one chooses to forgive, he is no longer the victim but the victor and becomes free; furthermore, our Father in heaven will forgive him of his sins (MATHEW 6:14).
We all face disagreements and disputes in our daily lives. But it is important to deal with them immediately with an attitude of love, not dwelling on the situation nor adding fuel to the fire, but seeking to dampen the flames and bring unity, even if that means to respectfully agree to disagree.
Of course we will be angry at times, but do not sin-do not take offence even if agreement isn’t found, and in every situation do not sleep on your wrath.
Both forgiveness and repentance is a condition of salvation of which without, no one shall see the kingdom of God.
But we believers are of one body of which Christ is the head (EPHESIANS 4:11). Therefore, put away all sin.
If you stole, steal no more, and put away all lies, gossip, and seek truth and unity within the whole body that the whole body shines for Christ.
Anything less than that brings shame on the church and shall seriously grieve the holy Spirit.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭6‬, ‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.