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.