31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32(NIV)
Paul is writing from prison; he is extolling the Ephesians to live the way God’s people should live.
4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Ephesians 4:4
He explains how to thrive in the power and grace of Christ rather than stumbling in sinful actions. Instead of holding on to bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and quarreling; embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Be forgiving like Christ God forgives you; live as children of light.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you, along with all hatred.
Ephesians 4:31 (ISV)
When kindness, compassion, and forgiveness; are embraced, bitterness is replaced with love and care for each other. As Jesus said, the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)
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Forgiveness encourages compassion and kindness and brings peace. Are you able to let go of anger and rage and forgive?
Prayer; Our Heavenly Father teach us to let go of anger and bitterness; and forgive. Teach us to be kind and compassionate, tender-hearted with a Christ-like attitude of love. Like the begonias and chrysanthemums in the photo grow together and thrive, let us learn to forgive and love one another and thrive. In Jesus’ holy loving name. Amen
Garden Faith 
Amen 🙏🏽. It is so easy to get annoyed and hold onto those feelings. You are so right that when we cling on to those feelings we do not thrive in the grace and power of Christ. A humbling reminder Jeanne. Thank you for sharing.
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Hi Manu! Forgiveness is never easy, but it’s life-changing. Growing in kindness, gentleness, and compassion is something I strive for. It’s good to hear from you! Have a wonderful week! 💖💐🌺
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I absolutely love this this; forgiveness encourages compassion, how very, very true. It allows us to ‘see’ ourselves Ned our shortcomings
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Hi Brenda, I agree forgiveness changes us encouraging compassion, peace, and kindness. It is good to hear from you! Blessings! 💖🌺
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Forgiveness, kindness and compassion are so intertwined.
I thought about you this week as I showed my refugee friends pictures of tulips explaining they are the first flowers that grow here
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Hi Matt, Forgiveness opens the heart spreading kindness, compassion, and peace. Thanks for thinking of me and spring flowers, they always bring me joy. 😊 Blessings! 🌷🌺
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I think forgiveness is one thing we all could use more of. As always, love the pics of flowers. With snow still on the ground here in Michigan, the pics are a reminder that spring will be coming soon.
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Hi Barbara, I agree we could all use a little more forgiveness, kindness, and compassion. Spring has arrived here early; the daffodils and crocus are blooming, and the forsythia flowers are just opening. I hope your weather has improved and spring flowers are starting to emerge. It is always good to hear from you! Blessings! 🌷🌺
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