Verse of the Day
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Introduction
Ephesians 4:32 serves as a pastoral exhortation urging believers to embody the character of Christ in their interpersonal relationships. In a world where division, bitterness, and retaliation often dominate human interaction, this verse presents a radical alternative—one rooted in the transformative power of divine grace.
Commentary
Paul’s instruction in this verse contains three imperative virtues: kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. These are not just moral ideals, but expressions of the new nature believers have in Christ (cf. Ephesians 4:24). The Greek word for “kind” (chrēstoi) implies a goodness that is useful, beneficial, and gracious in action. “Tenderhearted” (eusplagchnoi) suggests a deep, visceral compassion—an emotional openness to the suffering of others. Finally, “forgiving” (charizomenoi) is drawn from the same root as charis (grace), emphasizing that forgiveness is an unearned gift, freely given.
The phrase “as God in Christ has forgiven you” provides the theological foundation for this ethical command. Believers are not asked to forgive from their own resources but to draw from the infinite well of grace they have received through Jesus.
Understanding the Context
Paul writes this letter to the church in Ephesus from prison, outlining what it means to live a life worthy of the calling received (Ephesians 4:1). Chapter 4 transitions from theological exposition to practical instruction, describing the new community life believers are to exhibit. Verses 25–32 contrast the behaviors of the "old self" (e.g., anger, bitterness, slander) with the "new self" created in righteousness and holiness.
Verse 32 concludes this section by summarizing the Christian ethic of relational love. It mirrors the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and reflects Jesus’ own teachings, such as in the Lord’s Prayer (“forgive us... as we forgive”).
Application for Today
In an age marked by digital outrage, cancel culture, and fractured relationships, Ephesians 4:32 speaks directly to our need for healing, civility, and grace. Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Choosing kindness over criticism, tenderness over indifference, and forgiveness over revenge not only heals relationships but also testifies to the Gospel’s power.
Practical applications may include:
Reaching out to someone you’ve been estranged from with humility and grace.
Responding with patience in emotionally charged situations.
Modeling forgiveness in your home or workplace, even when it’s undeserved.
Reflection
How different would the world look if this one verse was practiced daily by believers? Paul is not calling us to passive niceness, but to active love—a love patterned after Christ Himself. When we struggle to forgive or to show kindness, we must look again to the cross, where the ultimate act of tenderhearted forgiveness was accomplished. In remembering how much we’ve been forgiven, we find strength to extend that same mercy to others.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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