Eph. 4:22-32; Phlm. 8-10, 15-18
Related Sunday School Lesson, Bible Studies for Life, May 25

 

An unwillingness to forgive can destroy even the best relationship. The Apostle Paul understood that one of the basic requirements for unity in the church is forgiveness. In Ephesians chapter four, Paul admonished the believers in Ephesus to preserve the unity of their congregation, and in verse 17 the apostle turned his attention to characteristics which should be revealed in the life of the believer. Paul understood that one of the characteristics of a Christian is forgiveness.

 

Remember you’re a new person - Ephesians 4:22-24

In verse 22 Paul reminded these early believers that they were to “lay aside the old self” (NASB). Paul understood that the “old self” was the sum total of one’s practices, priorities, and attitudes before he or she became a Christian.

Paul shared that believers were called to live a distinct life. No longer were they to be driven by “lusts of deceit.” Now, because of their (v. 24) “new self,” they were to be identified by the divine characteristics of Jesus. In Christ these believers at Ephesus were new creatures, transformed into the image of Christ. It is the same thesis that Paul used to admonish the believers in Corinth (2 Cor. 5:17).

Christianity demands a distinct break from the “old life.” It is impossible to magnify the Lordship of Jesus while holding on to the old practices of the flesh. One cannot practice forgiveness while trying to balance Christ and carnality at the same time.

Opposites do not attract in the Christian life. The old man (life before Christ) is at battle with the new man (life after Christ). Hence, sanctification is a continuing process. Christians are new persons called to naturally reflect Jesus.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit that seals the believer for salvation (Eph. 4:30) and continually works to transform his or her life into the image of Christ. Biblical forgiveness is only possible in Christ. Christians can forgive because they are new persons in Christ.

 

Relate to others unselfishly - Ephesians 4:24-31

The word “forgiveness” does not appear in these verses; yet the idea of forgiveness is present in the backdrop of the sins and conflicts listed. The sins referred to in these verses apparently involve conflicts between believers.

The fact that these conflicts are listed implies that believers must stand ready to forgive. As long as believers are in the world, there will be subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle conflicts. When offenses occur, Christians must reflect Jesus and be ready and willing to forgive.

In verse 27 Paul writes, “and do not give the devil an opportunity.” The implication of this statement is that by maintaining hurt or angry feelings believers actually give the devil an opportunity to develop a stronghold in one’s heart. When the believers refuse to forgive, the devil rejoices because of the opportunity to bring harm to the body of Christ.

A lack of forgiveness brings joy to the devil and sorrow to our Lord. In verses 30 thru 31 believers are given the evidences of a heart that is unwilling to forgive. Paul notes that when we fall into that old life we “grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Therefore, as believers we are to live a life marked by free, wholehearted, eager, and spontaneous forgiveness.

 

Resolve to forgive - Ephesians 4:32

In the final verse of the fourth chapter, Paul sets forth the standard by which believers are called to live. Paul writes, “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

The goal of the believer is not to reflect the old self; instead it is to reflect Jesus! Paul assured these early believers that the only reason we stand forgiven by God is because of the merciful sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary.

It is only in focusing on Jesus’ sacrifice that believers find inspiration and are empowered to practice forgiveness. It should be noted that Paul is not speaking of repressing anger or hurt feelings, but in truly practicing godly forgiveness.

 

Restoring or revenge? A case study - Philemon 8-10; 15-18

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, believers are given a wonderful case study in the subject of forgiveness and restoration. While in Rome Paul led a runaway slave named Onesimus [oh NESS ih muhs] to faith in Jesus. It appears that Onesimus may have robbed Philemon in his escape.

Onesimus fled from Colossae to Rome, perhaps hoping to disappear in the large metropolitan city. While in Rome Onesimus met Paul and was converted to faith in Jesus. Even though Paul could have used the assistance of Onesimus, Paul’s deeper desire was to restore the broken relationship between Onesimus and Philemon. Paul understood the importance of brothers and sisters in Christ dwelling in unity. Paul even offered to pay any debt Onesimus may have incurred (v. 18).

One should not miss the point of Paul’s desire for reconciliation. It was not Paul’s desire that Philemon receive Onesimus back as a slave, but instead as a “beloved brother” (v. 16). The willingness of Paul to pay any debt which Onesimus may have incurred is a picture of the debt that Jesus paid for the salvation of those who have trusted Christ.

Because of the price Jesus paid for our salvation we are now joint heirs with Him (Rom. 8:15-17). Believers are the family of God and should be ready to freely forgive.