We have been continuing to pray through various themes this summer derived from this article: https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/prayer/what-to-pray-for.html#12.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul wrote these words to the church in Ephesus — a church where he had spent a great deal of time as a missionary. He was acutely aware that their way of living was being observed. Ephesus was an ancient port city, once thought of as the most important city in Greece. As people from other nations passed through the city every day, it’s fair to say the world was watching how this community of Jesus followers related to one another and to others.

Whether or not you live in a community as significant as Ephesus, if you are a Christian and the people around you know that, the way you live is being noticed too.

If you want to live a life that points people toward Jesus, you need His strength to grow beyond normal human patterns of behavior like holding grudges and unforgiveness. Your motivation is not just because people are watching but because Jesus calls you as His follower to forgive others as He forgives you. This is not normal or easy by any stretch of the imagination, but as you ask God to help you do this, people will see and experience His love and forgiveness through you.

As you pray about your way of life, ask God to make you aware of any unforgiveness you need to deal with.

Lord, give me a heart that’s ready to forgive, and help me to receive your forgiveness when I don’t think I deserve it.

Living Hope

Be Still My Soul

Never Once

Yes, I Will