Imitate Christ.

We honor Christ when we follow his example and do good to those who harm us. When the world expects an evil response, goodness and love shine all the brighter, sometimes enough to pierce the toughest armor. We show kindness and generosity not because our adversary deserves them but because goodness is part of who we are in Christ. An important practice of forgiveness is to see through an offense to the person behind the behavior and ask, what good can I do for this person? No one needs grace more than a person who does not deserve it.

Ponder

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. (3 John 11)

Pledge

With God’s help I will make a point of doing something good and kind for someone who deserves my censure.

Review

Practice #1: Forgive what you can.

Practice #2: Seek forgiveness from others.

Practice #3: Pray for your offender.

Practice #4: Speak carefully.

Practice #5: Encourage peacemaking.

Practice #6: Commit to honesty.

Practice #7: Humble yourself.

Adapted from A Devotional Walk with Forgiveness by Judith Ingram, Copyright © 2011 by Judith Ingram.