Forgive One Another

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Colossians 3:13 (NIV) - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We all need to be forgiven by others because in our humanity, we all make mistakes, we all offend, we all fall short at times. We are encouraged to show kindness and compassion to those in need of forgiveness. Guilt and shame can really bring a person down; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When we offer forgiveness instead of judgement, tenderness instead of harshness, we can help bring peace and healing. We are told to forgive others in the same way that God forgives us. God forgives completely, not based on our worthiness but rather on our need. He forgives and forgets. He does not hold our offenses against us. He forgives us over and over again. Jesus said that when we pray we are to say: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Let us willingly offer forgiveness to those in need of it.