The Lighthouse Devotional

Author: Danielle Jemmott

SCRIPTURE VERSE

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph 4:32 NIV).

PERSONAL REFLECTION

It is challenging to forgive someone who hurts us deeply. Can you imagine the pain caused by a friend who steals from you, or worse, who disparages your character? Many of us, myself included, would battle with the thought of forgiving, showing compassion, or being kind to such an individual if some ill were to befall them. The Bible tells us how Christians should handle such situations.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Ephesians 4:32 lists some of Jesus’ characteristics that we are to emulate. These are kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Today, many persons perceive charity as a weakness; however, Jesus affirms that it is an essential quality of his disciples (John 13:34–35). He commands us to love our enemies as well as our neighbors (Luke 6:35; cf. Matt 5:43–48). We must not be like Jonah, who became angry with God’s compassion for the Ninevites (Jonah 4); instead, we ought to imitate David, who was kind to the descendants of Saul (2 Sam 9).

Many would agree that forgiving someone who has wronged us is a hard pill to swallow, but Scripture instructs us to forgive each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven us (cf. Col 3:13). Indeed, we must forgive persons, especially fellow Christians, not only once or twice but in the same way that God forgives us—generously and continuously.

EXHORTATION

Let us, therefore, imitate Christ and bear fruits of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness towards each other. Let us remember to treat one another in ways that exemplify our love for Christ, motivate others to become like Christ, and bring unbelievers to Christ.

PRAYER

Lord, we thank You for forgiving us and showing us kindness and compassion even though we do not deserve it. Help us to epitomize these qualities, to be more like You, and to glorify and honor Your name. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.