And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30–32)

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. (NASB 1995)

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.”

Taken from Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com.