Just As Christ Loved Us

Forgiveness is much easier in theory than in practice, but the failure to practice forgiveness hurts all involved. The Biblical directive is as simple as it is challenging: “Forgive one another, just as in Christ God has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). To be effective in what we do, to maintain balance in our lives and be a healthy Christian we must learn to forgive. I have found plenty of opportunities to put this directive into practice. Prepare yourselves to forgive fast, forgive first, and forgive often.
 
Scripture reads, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Being an imitator of God comes down to imitating God’s love in our relationships with one another. With God’s help we can imitate His love for others. Our love for the Lord changes the way we treat people regardless of how they treat us. Maybe your spouse did something hurtful that wounded your marriage. How did you respond? Just as Christ loved us! Your child did something that hurt you or discouraged you. How did you respond? Just as Christ loved us! What principle do you follow now? Just as Christ loved you!

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Clark Tatum