DISCUSSION:
Many preachers today are asked to preach on forgiveness. Most usually focus on the theme that people who are forgiven must be forgiving. If we do not appreciate God’s forgiving us, we have little motivation for forgiving others. Forgiven believers with grateful hearts readily express kindness and compassion for others.
Many Bible passages, like Psalm 103, show us that God is forgiving, loving, compassionate, and gracious, and we can imitate our heavenly Father, treating people with compassionate, gracious love. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are inseparable. We can’t be very kind to someone whom we haven’t forgiven. We won’t show compassion until we grow aware of how much we’ve experienced God’s love and compassion. As Jesus’ followers, we’re called to share the love that he has shown for us. Doing so builds healthy relationships, honors our Creator, and grows his kingdom.
Today work on your FLCG: Be more Forgiving, Love those around you, show your Compassion for Christ, and above all be Gracious for the many gifts God has blessed you with.