Way

"Christ loved us and gave himself up for us," Ephesians 5:2.

That's why his people become a forgiving people. Better: That's how they turn into a forgiving people. (It's not the way they were already beforehand - God provided for their new Way.) God renewed them in the spirit of their minds. God created their new selves to look like God - to wit, to do good, the unexpected good. God secured them tightly with his Holy Spirit for the day of redemption! So that's why his people take off the old, rotting, staggering zombie self. They put on the new self, lithe, fully alive like God. No more trash talking rot, but speaking living truth. No more slander, but life giving grace. No more hard hearted bitterness, but kindness, tender hearts. No more grudges: Now forgiving one another. Just like God forgave in Christ. Sky kingdom.

We speak words of gentleness with a hurting brother or sister today, reminding of Christ's new Way. And, together, we turn to God in thanksgiving for his provision.