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Read: Ephesians 4:32
Listen: Ephesians 4

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Paul anchors his instructions about anger in the power of the gospel. The Ephesian believers don’t forgive because others deserve it or because forgiving feels natural. They forgive because they’ve been forgiven. Through Jesus’s death on the cross, God has paid for all their sin—past, present and future (Ephesians 1:7). This isn’t something they’ve earned or deserved. It’s pure grace. Now, grounded in their identity as forgiven, beloved, treasured and adopted children of God, they can extend that same forgiveness to others who wrong them.

Gospel-rooted forgiveness transforms how we handle anger. When we’re anchored in what Christ has done for us on the cross, we can release those who’ve sinned against us without harboring resentment. This doesn’t mean pretending the offense doesn’t hurt or that full restoration is always possible. Sometimes trust must be rebuilt slowly. Sometimes relationships can’t return to what they were. But forgiveness begins in our hearts, whether or not the other person apologizes. We don’t gut it out through self-effort or white-knuckle willpower. We forgive through the power of the cross. The same grace that rescued us from sin empowers us to let go of bitterness and choose forgiveness over revenge.

TODAY: Join Ada Bible Worship as they sing “All in Praise of Jesus.” Let the lyrics remind you of Christ’s sacrifice and the forgiveness you’ve received. Ask God to give you the power to forgive others as Christ forgave you. If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus and received his forgiveness, this is a great day to begin that relationship. Email us at btw@adabible.org with questions.