daily devotional

A Reason to Forgive

Read Ephesians 4:31–32

When wrong has been done against another person, there are only two possibilities of blame. But whether we are responsible for the offence or we are the recipients of it, the first move is always ours.

The true servant doesn't keep score. The general principle is set forth in Ephesians 4:31–32, which says:

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

That's a beautiful summation of the whole subject of forgiveness. It describes how to live with a clear conscience and thus be free to serve.

And observe the reminder—you forgive others "as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Excerpted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.