Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving on another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Devotional:

Kindness sounds simple. Most people would say they’re kind. But the kindness Paul describes is not casual politeness or smiling at strangers. It’s the kind that reaches into inconvenience, discomfort, and even hurt.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” This is costly kindness because it requires compassion where irritation would be easier, forgiveness when pride wants to hold a grudge, softness in moments that tempt us toward hardness.

But Paul doesn’t just tell us what to do, he tells us why we do it, “as God in Christ forgave you. God didn’t wait until we deserved forgiveness. He didn’t require us to earn kindness. He didn’t offer love reluctantly. Christ forgave freely, fully, and faithfully.

And when we remember how deeply we’ve been loved, it becomes harder to withhold love from others. We don’t forgive because people always deserve it; we forgive because Jesus forgave us when we didn’t. Christian kindness is not behavior, it’s evidence of a transformed heart.

Personal Reflection:

• Where is God inviting you to respond with compassion instead of irritation?

• Where might forgiveness bring freedom?

• Where can you mirror the kindness He showed you?

• When have you been forgiven when it was undeserved?

Prayer:

Father God

Thank You for the kindness You have shown me. Kindness I did not earn and forgiveness I could never repay. Help my heart to reflect Yours. Soften the places in me that have grown guarded, bitter, or tired. Make me tenderhearted toward others, even when it is difficult.

Give me the courage to forgive the people who have hurt me, not because they deserve it, but because You forgave me first. Heal the wounds that still ache. Remove the weight of resentment, and let Your peace replace it. Teach me to treat others the way You treat me—with grace, gentleness, compassion, and love.

I cannot live this out in my own strength, so fill me with Your Spirit. Let my life be proof of Your mercy.

In Jesus mighty name,

Amen.