I want to dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: forgiveness. Now, forgiveness isn’t just a concept we toss around casually; it’s a profound directive embedded in the very fabric of our faith. Ephesians 4:32 lays it out plain and simple: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”

Let’s unpack this a bit. This verse isn’t some gentle suggestion or a conditional choice to be made only when it suits us. No, it’s a command—a call to action that resonates through the ages. It’s a command to forgive, period.

Think about it. Jesus Himself exemplified this principle when He instructed His disciples to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven. It’s mind-blowing, isn’t it? The idea that forgiveness knows no bounds, that we’re called to extend grace endlessly, regardless of the offense.

Now, I get it. This notion flies in the face of our natural instincts. We’re wired to operate on a “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” basis. But Jesus flips the script entirely. He’s not interested in our scorekeeping or our thresholds for forgiveness. He simply says, “Forgive.”

And here’s the kicker—it’s not circumstantial. There are no ifs, ands, or buts. Jesus prioritizes forgiveness above all else. It’s not an occasional act; it’s a permanent attitude, as Martin Luther King Jr. so aptly put it. Imagine facing the immense adversity King did during the civil rights movement and still embracing forgiveness as a lifestyle. That’s the power of Christ’s teachings in action.

But here’s where it gets real. Forgiveness isn’t just something we whip out when it’s convenient. It’s a preemptive choice—a decision we make long before offense even rears its ugly head. It’s about saying, “I’ve already chosen to forgive you,” regardless of what may come.

Now, let’s be clear. Forgiveness isn’t easy. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it often goes against every fiber of our being. But from a spiritual perspective, it’s non-negotiable. It’s what God has called us to do, no matter the circumstances.

And here’s the beautiful part: Jesus forgave us long before we even committed a single sin. He went to the cross and died for every one of our transgressions, past, present, and future. That’s the ultimate act of grace, friends.

So why, then, do we hesitate to extend that same grace to others? If God has already forgiven us, who are we to hold onto bitterness and resentment? As followers of Christ, we’re called to embody the same attitude of forgiveness that Christ exemplified.

It’s not about waiting for an apology or weighing the severity of the offense. It’s about saying, “I forgive you,” before the need even arises. It’s about mirroring Christ’s unconditional love and mercy, even in the face of betrayal.

So, my friends, let’s take a cue from Christ and make forgiveness a priority in our lives. Let’s embrace it as a permanent attitude, a reflection of God’s boundless grace. And remember, as we forgive others, we reflect the very heart of Christ Himself.