Daily Devotional for Sunday, May 25, 2025

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Be Kind, Forgive: A Devotional on Ephesians 4:32

Living Out God’s Character Through Tenderness and Forgiveness

In a world that often values self-protection, retaliation, and emotional reserve, the apostle Paul issues a radical command to the church at Ephesus. Near the end of a chapter devoted to instructing believers how to “put on the new person” created according to God’s will (Ephesians 4:24), Paul concludes a section on interpersonal conduct with a clear and compelling directive. Ephesians 4:32 reads:
“But become kind to one another, tenderhearted, freely forgiving one another, just as God by means of Christ also freely forgave you.”

This single verse encapsulates the moral transformation expected of all believers who have been called out of darkness and into the light of Christ. It is not a generic call to civility or good manners. It is a command to embody the redemptive grace of God in practical, relational terms, modeling His mercy toward us in how we treat others. These instructions are rooted not in emotionalism but in theology—in what God has already done through Christ.

“But become kind to one another…”

The Greek verb γίνεσθε (ginesthe), translated “become,” indicates an ongoing process of change. Paul does not say simply “be kind” as if this were natural or instantaneous. Rather, he calls believers to grow into kindness—to cultivate a disposition that may not come easily, especially in the aftermath of conflict or disappointment.

The word for “kind” is χρηστοί (chrēstoi), meaning morally good, gracious, gentle, or benevolent. This is not passive tolerance, nor is it superficial politeness. Biblical kindness involves thoughtful action motivated by genuine care for the other’s well-being. It reflects an inner transformation, not just external behavior.

This command follows verse 31, where Paul listed traits to remove: bitterness, wrath, anger, shouting, and slander. Now he sets forth what must replace them—a completely different spirit, not merely refraining from harm, but actively doing good.

This kindness is not conditioned on others’ behavior. It is not reserved for the deserving. As Christ loved the unlovely, so must we (Romans 5:8). In a divided, angry, and selfish world, Christian kindness stands as a visible testimony to the character of God.

“Tenderhearted…”

The Greek word εὔσπλαγχνοι (eusplagchnoi) literally means “well-compassioned” or “having good intestines,” drawing from the ancient view that emotions resided in the inner organs. In modern terms, it refers to deep emotional sympathy—a capacity to feel another’s suffering and respond with mercy.

To be tenderhearted is to reject coldness, aloofness, and hardness of heart. It is the opposite of apathy or indifference. While the world may promote toughness and self-preservation, Paul calls believers to soften toward one another. This word calls for emotional availability, the willingness to enter into another’s pain without defensiveness or superiority.

Jesus exemplified this. Multiple times in the Gospels, he was “moved with compassion” when he saw the sick, the grieving, the lost. Paul now calls every Christian to cultivate that same spiritual posture—not as an occasional feeling, but as a regular part of character.

“Freely forgiving one another…”

The verb here is χαριζόμενοι (charizomenoi), related to χάρις (charis), meaning “grace.” This is not the same word used in legal or judicial contexts. It refers specifically to graciously granting pardon—not based on merit, but as an act of favor.

Paul commands mutual, ongoing forgiveness—not grudgingly, not conditionally, but freely. This forgiveness is not based on whether the offender deserves it, shows remorse, or changes. It is based on a higher standard: God’s grace toward us.

The phrase “one another” underscores that this command is universal in the church. No believer is exempt—either from needing forgiveness or from offering it. Paul wrote elsewhere, “Forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also do” (Colossians 3:13).

Importantly, forgiveness here is not the same as excusing sin, minimizing harm, or avoiding justice. True forgiveness acknowledges wrong, but chooses not to hold it against the offender—releasing the debt, not pretending it never existed.

“Just as God by means of Christ also freely forgave you”

This phrase provides both the model and the motive for Christian forgiveness. God’s forgiveness was not partial, reluctant, or dependent on our worthiness. It was full, undeserved, and accomplished through Christ. That is the standard.

We did not earn God’s forgiveness. We received it as a gift, through Christ’s sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7). And now, having been forgiven, we are commanded to reflect that same grace to others. To withhold forgiveness while having received it is spiritual hypocrisy.

Jesus illustrated this vividly in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35). A man forgiven a massive debt refused to forgive a small one, and was condemned. The message is clear: if we truly grasp the depth of God’s mercy toward us, we will extend it to others.

This principle applies not just to great offenses, but to daily grievances—slights, misunderstandings, repeated failures. The church cannot survive, much less thrive, without continual forgiveness. It is the glue of Christian fellowship.

Practical Application: Putting Off Bitterness, Putting On Grace

Paul’s command in Ephesians 4:32 cannot be obeyed apart from conscious effort and continual submission to God’s Word. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are not automatic. They must be chosen, developed, and guarded.

Consider the practical outworking of this verse:

When someone offends you—choose grace over retaliation.
When another believer is struggling—offer compassion, not criticism.
When you recall past hurts—release the offender, as God released you.

This verse also serves as a litmus test for spiritual maturity. The mature Christian is not marked by knowledge alone, but by relational integrity—by how they treat others when wronged, annoyed, or wounded.

It also underscores the corporate nature of holiness. Paul does not address individuals in isolation. He speaks to the church as a body, calling for a shared culture of kindness and mercy. A congregation marked by grace will shine in a harsh world.

Conclusion: Kindness Reflects Christ, Forgiveness Imitates God

Ephesians 4:32 is not merely a moral guideline—it is a call to mirror divine character. The kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness God extends through Christ must be lived out among His people. This is not optional. It is the expectation for those who have received mercy.

The one who is kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving reflects the very heart of the gospel. Such a person does not simply act graciously—they display the evidence of a transformed life.

Let every believer examine their relationships:

Is your heart hard toward anyone?
Have you withheld forgiveness where God has granted it to you?
Are you cultivating tenderness, or closing off in defensiveness?

Let the words of Paul echo in the soul:
“Become kind to one another, tenderhearted, freely forgiving one another, just as God by means of Christ also freely forgave you.”

Let this become your character—not for recognition, but in reverent imitation of the God who saved you.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).