More From Ann Stewart

I am writing this while in the UK where I am staying with my son, his wife, and their two boys. I haven’t been able to see them for over three years due to COVID-19, so it's very special to be here and making happy memories to take home with me.

Over the past few days I have been thinking about Ephesians 2:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” (NRSVUE). Here are a few of my thoughts about it:

To be kind means to be generous, friendly, and considerate. It can be as simple as a smile or taking the time to help another.

To be tenderhearted is to be compassionate and caring. When we truly listen to others, try to understand how they are feeling, and show concern for them, we are being tenderhearted.

Then there is forgiveness, which is not always easy and is often a process that takes time. Thinking of how much God has forgiven us is humbling as we realize the sacrifice and pain Jesus suffered so we can receive this precious gift. This helps us realize the need to forgive as we have been forgiven. It doesn’t mean we overlook any harm another has done to us, but it does help us avoid becoming bitter and angry.

In order to practice all of these qualities and become more like Jesus, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. So I am praying to become more kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. If as Christians we display all of these qualities, what an impact we would have in the world!

I’m thinking this is a good verse to memorize and plan to do so. Maybe you can memorize it also.