January 21, 2025

Annie Ward
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:31-32

This week, Pastor Jose challenged us with this question: Who do I need to forgive? I have had to forgive some deep offenses, as I’m sure you have as well. It is hard, yet necessary work for us as we step deeper and deeper into the sanctification process.

But when I read these words I am struck by how quickly I find myself bitter, enraged, and angry. Driving down the road, reading the news, checking social media, talking with my girlfriends. I have had slander and malice in my words. I have decided to carry offense towards people and leaders that I have never met.

When I think about yielding, when I think about being forgiven and forgiving others, how far is God asking me to extend that forgiveness? The phrase that keeps coming to mind: un-offended. Is it possible for me to live un-offended? Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are the fruits of abiding in Christ. That person who used a harsh tone toward me, the thing I read in the news, the post I read on social media, the car who cut me off. Sometimes that can be just as hard.

This doesn’t mean that we are called to be doormats, allowing people to treat us poorly and not standing up for what is right. But it does mean that we move forward with humility, grace and love — which is very different from rage, slander and malice. And it means we are quick to forgive. As you go about your day today, notice how often you find yourself offended. Notice how quickly it takes to lay it down. My prayer is that as we lay down our offenses and choose to quickly forgive, we will see rich fruit in our lives.