The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROMANS 6:23 NLT

Who hurt you this week? Did their actions appear to be intentional? How are you supposed to respond to them?

Naturally we all want to retaliate when wronged. We believe that we deserve to be treated with forgiveness, kindness, love, and respect. But how easily we forget how hurtful, malicious, and rebellious we have been throughout our lives.

Moreover, we have all offended the Lord far worse than any individual has ever hurt us personally. Our rebellion against the Father deserved only death because we have dishonored Him as our holy, sovereign Ruler by sinning against Him.

Thankfully, we serve a merciful God and are beneficiaries of His grace. And it is for this very reason that Ephesians 4:32 ends with the command to forgive others “just as God through Christ has forgiven you” ( NLT ).

Friend, you have been mercifully forgiven—though you did not deserve it. Now, out of gratefulness to Him, go out and show His compassion to others—even if they don’t merit it either.

Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Please help me to always show Your grace and compassion to others, amen.

In His presence . . . reflect your Savior’s mercy.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F. (2014-11-11). Every Day in His Presence (p. 325).