...As Christ Forgave You

Ephesians 4:32 gives direction for the body of Christ.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

 “be” translates the Greek word ginomai and is in the Present tense, middle voice, and imperative mood.  Present tense means that this is for right now.  Middle voice means that the subject is intensely involved in the action and the imperative mood means that this is not optional.

Three things are commanded here:

   To be kind – This is too be benevolent in attitude and action

   To be tenderhearted – the saint in fellowship with Christ will be compassionate

   Forgiving one another – In the Church there will be offenses given – some on purpose and some    unintentionally.  

Believers are not perfect and the instruction here is to be in the regular habit of forgiveness.  A standard is put forth:

“As God in Christ forgave you.”

God’s forgiveness in Christ is perfect and complete.  He took our sins (past, present and future) upon Himself and has permanently, positionally forgiven us at His own expense.

This kind of love is only available to believers from the source – this is not contrived.  We are to abide in Christ and see his kindness, his tenderheartedness and His forgiveness flow forth in our lives.