And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 CSB

For if you forgive others their offenses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses. Matthew 6:14-15 CSB

Forgiving is an important word in the Christian faith. As a Christian, we know that Jesus died on the cross to save each of us who would believe in Him. He died so that our sins would be forgiven by Father God. As believers in Jesus, God will forgive us when we do something wrong (sin). We pray to God and admit what we did and ask for His forgiveness. And God forgives our sin and remembers it no more.

In our first verse for today, Paul tells us that we are to be kind and compassionate and forgive each other just like God forgave us. Our second verse is Jesus speaking to His disciples in the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus says we are to forgive others so that we can be forgiven. So, forgiveness isn’t just something we get from God, it is something God expects us to give to others. Remember that Jesus even asked God to forgive the people that killed Him!

Let’s look at an example. Your friend at school plays with a new kid at recess instead of you. You are feelings are hurt and you’re mad. You frown and you turn your back on them and go play with someone else. But you are mad for the rest of the day and won’t talk to your friend. You won’t sit with your friend on the bus and turn away when your friend talks to you.

Your friend has “offended” you, hurt your feelings. And you want to hurt your friend back. But our verses tell us that we have to choose to forgive offenses. You have to decide to forgive your friend. When you forgive, you will feel better, and you will be forgiven for your offenses by God. Forgive your friend and shine Jesus’ love for all to see. Forgiveness is being kind to those who are unkind.

Forgiving isn’t easy, but Jesus can help you. Say a prayer and ask for strength to forgive the person who hurt your feelings or offended you. Choose to forgive your friend. You can tell him why you were upset and even ask him to forgive you for the way you acted when you were mad. When you choose forgiveness, you will both be happier.

This week, is there someone who has hurt your feelings or made you angry? Talk to your parents about how to handle it. How can you let go of the hurt and anger and forgive so that you feel better? Ask your parents how they forgive others. Give your hurt and anger to Jesus and forgive others just like He forgives you.

Prayers for each of you as you become more like Jesus and forgive others. We choose to forgive others because we have been forgiven.

Blessings as we all learn to forgive others!