January 14 2026

Wednesday January 14

The Blessings of Being Forgiven and Forgiving Others

Ephesians 1:7 & Ephesians 4:32

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Today I want to share one last chat from Ephesians chapters 1-4 on the subject of forgiveness. I believe it's one of the major themes of the entire Bible. Knowing that you're forgiven and forgiving one another. As we look at the storyline of the Bible, it seems this is a main subject. I'm convinced that one of the greatest human experiences we could ever have is knowing that our sins have been forgiven. Did you notice that the book of Ephesians introduces this subject in 1:7 where we read, “In whom we have redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace”.  And as we come to the end of chapter four in the last verse 32, we're told to “forgive one another even as God in Christ has forgiven us”. This is a very important subject even here as we look at these verses in Ephesians.

From a biblical perspective, forgiveness is not a small thing. It is not a side issue. It is at the very heart of the gospel. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation, no peace with God, and no real freedom in life. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:7,“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Forgiveness is God’s gracious act of removing our guilt, canceling our debt of sin, and restoring our relationship with Him—based entirely on what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. To be forgiven means that God no longer holds my sin against me. He no longer condemns me. My record has been cleared, and my relationship with Him has been restored.

That is why David could say in Psalm 32:1–2, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity.” That word blessed means deeply joyful, relieved, and at rest. There is no freedom like knowing God is no longer against you. Now, how do we know we are forgiven? What are some of the evidences of forgiveness in our lives—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally?

First, there is mental evidence. When I am forgiven, I no longer live under constant condemnation. I may remember my past, but I am no longer crushed by it. I believe God’s Word over my feelings. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” God says in Isaiah 43:25, “I… am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” God is not saying He forgets in the human sense, but that He no longer counts our sins against us. The debt has been paid.

Second, there is spiritual evidence. Forgiveness brings peace with God. Fear is replaced with confidence. Prayer becomes open and honest. Worship becomes joyful instead of heavy. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Forgiveness restores fellowship with God. We are no longer hiding. We are no longer running. We draw near to Him with full assurance of faith.

Third, there is emotional evidence. Forgiveness brings relief instead of constant guilt. Gratitude replaces shame. Joy begins to return. David prayed in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Forgiveness does not erase all consequences, but it restores joy, peace, and freedom in the heart.

Now let’s talk about forgiveness from another angle—forgiving others. Biblical forgiveness does not mean forgetting, excusing the sin, or pretending it did not hurt. Forgiveness is a decision to release someone from the debt they owe you and to leave justice in God’s hands. The Bible says in Romans 12:19,“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves… for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” When I have truly forgiven someone, I am no longer seeking revenge. I am no longer rehearsing the offense to fuel anger. I can pray for them sincerely. I desire their good, not their harm.

One of the clearest examples of this is Joseph. In Genesis 50, after years of betrayal, slavery, and suffering, Joseph looks at the brothers who sold him and says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Joseph did not deny the evil. He acknowledged it. But he released his brothers from revenge and trusted God’s sovereign purpose. Forgiveness did not minimize the pain—it redeemed it. And when someone has truly forgiven us, it shows itself in their actions. They do not continually bring up the offense. They do not use the past as a weapon. There is a willingness toward restored relationship, when possible. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Love… keeps no record of wrongs.” That is how God forgives us. He does not shame us. He does not hold our past over our heads. He restores us to fellowship.

And above all, we look to Jesus. As He hung on the cross in Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” Forgiveness flows from grace, not from worthiness. Let me close with this thought. To know that my sins are forgiven means my past no longer defines me, my present is filled with peace, and my future is secure in Christ. And when I truly understand how much I have been forgiven, I find the grace to forgive others.

That is why Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:32,“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” May God help us to live in the freedom of His forgiveness—and to extend that same grace to others.

God bless!