February 27
Kindness and
Compassion
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Daily Steps
As a new believer, understanding how to treat others is the primary way you maintain peace in your relationships. This verse provides the three essential actions that create a peaceful environment: kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
The key to unlocking this peace is the phrase: "just as in Christ God forgave you." Your ability to treat others well flows directly from your secure identity in God's love.
Be Kind and Compassionate: This means treating others with gentle consideration, understanding, and empathy, even when they frustrate you.
Be Forgiving: This is the most important foundation of unity. You must actively choose to release the offense of others because you have been completely released from your own debts to God. Forgiveness stops the cycle of bitterness and resentment, which destroys peace.
When you allow the generosity of God's forgiveness toward you to drive your forgiveness toward others, you create a powerful, peaceful environment where relationships can thrive.
Reflective Question
Is there a person in your life you find difficult to show kindness or compassion toward? How can you look at that person through the lens of God's complete forgiveness for you and choose to be kind and forgiving today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your forgiveness. I pray for the strength and grace to be kind and compassionate to those around me.
Help me to truly forgive others, just as You have forgiven me in Christ.
May the peace You have given me flow out to create unity in my relationships. Amen.
