Be Kind and Forgiving: Strength Starts with Surrender
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
[32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, I can’t help but think about family. Mine isn’t perfect. Some relationships are barely holding on, and honestly, it hurts. If you have a great relationship with your family, praise God—that’s a true blessing. But for some of us, family can be one of the hardest places to live out Ephesians 4:32 and truly be kind and forgiving.
Restoration of a broken relationship is one of life’s sweetest blessings. But it doesn’t come easy. Choosing to be kind and forgiving takes humility, courage, and obedience. When we said “yes” to following Christ, we chose to love God above all else—even above our own pride, our comfort, and yes, even above family expectations. These moments of tension are opportunities from the Lord to show His love in action.
When the chance to reconcile comes, take it. Even if it ends in rejection, even if they don’t want to talk to you again, you still did your part. You obeyed. You planted a seed of grace. Being kind and forgiving doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you trust God with the outcome.
Family can be the hardest audience to win over because they know you. They remember your past mistakes, your flaws, and the things you’d rather forget. But that’s why it matters so much to show real change—to live out the transformation that Christ has done in you. Let your actions preach louder than your words.
Pray that the Lord changes your heart first. Ask Him to prepare you to be the example your family needs. Even if your family is close and healthy, there are still people around you—friends, coworkers, neighbors—who need to see someone living out the call to be kind and forgiving. Praise God for every opportunity to show grace. Be a good steward of the souls He’s entrusted to your care.
Thank You, Father, for one more day. Amen.
Psalm 35:2–5 (NLT)
[2] Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.[3] Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, “I will give you victory!”[4] Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me; turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.[5] Blow them away like chaff in the wind— a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.
