Practising Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:32 (KJV): “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The Greek word for “forgiving” here is charizomenoi, which comes from charis, meaning grace. To forgive is literally to give grace. It is not something we produce ourselves. It is the grace God poured into us, now flowing out to others.
The words “even as” give us both the standard and the reason: we forgive the way God forgave us, and because He forgave us. God’s forgiveness in Christ is a finished act. Ours is ongoing, a way of life rooted in the mercy we keep receiving.
Forgiveness does not deny the hurt, excuse the sin or remove wise boundaries. It cancels the debt in our hearts and leaves justice to God. Paul joins it with being “tenderhearted,” which tells us real forgiveness comes from a softened heart, not grudging duty.
Forgiveness is a discipline we practise. When the memory of an offence returns, we choose again to release it, pray for the one who hurt us and let the Holy Spirit heal us. Over time, obedience becomes freedom, and our lives show the power of the gospel.
DECLARATION
I declare that I am fully forgiven through Jesus Christ. Because I have received grace, I give grace. I release every offence and root of bitterness into God’s hands. My heart is tender, my spirit is free, and I walk in the power of forgiveness today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.