Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph. 4:32 ESV
Heavenly Father, this is another one of those “post-it-on-the-front-of-the-refrigerator” verses. No matter the circumstances, story, or details, you call us to respond grace-fully in our relationships—when it’s easy and when it’s not. Not as doormats to be walked on, nor as those in denial about reality, but as children in whom you delight—those upon whom you’ve set your unwavering favor and endless affection.
Father, forgive me for the moments—even the hours, when my default mode is to repay indifference for indifference, stubbornness for stubbornness, coolness for coolness, wise crack for wise crack, and pettiness for pettiness. I want to love others as Jesus love me, period. Forgive me when I try to justify any degree of resentment, bitterness, or “snarkiness.”
I SO look forward to the Day when we will be made perfect in love (1 John 3:1-1). But until that Day, grant me quicker repentances when I get annoyed and critical. Give me a softer, kinder heart when I feel prevailed upon or used. And help me offer gospel responses, instead of defensive reactions, when I experience the outworking of someone else’s difficult day, old wounds, or new triggers.
Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep me robustly aware of my union with Christ, and all the riches of grace that come with it. May it become increasingly difficult for me to love poorly—no matter the provocation, prodding, or personality. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and loving name.